Australia and Japan have triumphed in their AFC third-round qualifying ties, earning coveted spots in the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament at Paris 2024.
The Matildas displayed dominance by overwhelming Uzbekistan 13-0 over two legs, while Japan secured their place with a hard-fought 2-1 aggregate victory against Korea DPR.
Australia seals Paris seat
In the clash between Australia and Uzbekistan, the Matildas extended their 3-0 lead from the first leg with a commanding performance in Melbourne. Michelle Heyman, a 35-year-old veteran who recently returned from international retirement, stole the spotlight by scoring four goals during a relentless first half.
Kaitlyn Torpey, Caitlin Foord, and Mary Fowler also found the net, along with an own goal from Uzbekistan’s Dilrabo Shokirboy Qisi Asadova. Hayley Raso and Amy Sayer added to the tally in the second half, sealing a resounding 10-0 victory for Australia.
Japan defeats DPR Korea
Meanwhile, Japan faced a tight contest against Korea DPR, with the first leg concluding in a goalless draw. The tension escalated in the decisive Tokyo return match. Hana Takahashi broke the deadlock midway through the first half for Japan, and Aoba Fujino seemingly secured victory with a goal 14 minutes from time. However, Kim Hyeyong’s late strike for Korea DPR narrowed the margin, setting the stage for a thrilling finale. Despite relentless pressure from Korea DPR, Japan held firm to clinch the coveted Olympic spot.
Australia-Japan: Confirmed qualifiers for Paris Olympics
With these triumphs, Australia and Japan join an illustrious list of confirmed qualifiers for the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament at Paris 2024. The other teams securing their places include Brazil, Canada, Colombia, France, Spain, New Zealand, and the USA. The stage is set for a competitive and diverse lineup, promising exciting clashes among the world’s top women’s football teams.
In particular, Michelle Heyman’s stellar performance stands out, marking her return to international football with a four-goal display. The Matildas’ relentless and ruthless approach showcased their determination to secure a place in the prestigious tournament. Japan, on the other hand, demonstrated resilience in a closely contested match against Korea DPR, ultimately emerging victorious and securing their spot in the Paris Olympics.
As the countdown to the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament begins, fans can anticipate high-level competition and captivating moments from these top-notch teams. The global football community eagerly awaits the spectacle that will unfold in Paris, where these skilled athletes will vie for glory and make their mark on the world stage.
