Women’s Asian Cup Final Live Updates: Australia face Japan for chance to lift major trophy

Arnold comes up big Ueki breaks past the last line after a great pass.

She was inside five metres of Arnold but blasted the ball straight to her for a simple save.

She then gets subbed off. She is leading the golden boot race.

JPN 1 - AUS 0 56’

Australia have come out firing and Japan look uncomfortable.

But the lack of a finishing touch means the Matildas still trail.

Kerr is looking to be the target more so far.

Japan had a golden chance to double the lead but a header from the middle of the box went wide with Catley just a step behind the play.

JPN 1 - AUS 0 53’

Japan get the ball to start the half but Australia defend well.

They then get the ball up to Kerr but her cross lands at the feet of the Japanese defence.

JPN 1 - AUS 0 47’

Australia will be rueing their missed chances as Japan’s goal came from half a chance.

Foord has busted her gut but her finishing is hurting the Australians who are clear underdogs.

The good news is they are breaking down Japan enough to get shots away so hopefully they can make them count in the second half.

There is three minutes added to the end of the first half and Foord misses another chance.

Kerr feeds her the ball in the middle of the box and she gets a good touch but sprays the shot miles wide.

JPN 1 - AUS 0 47’

The Japanese keeper nearly gave Foord a gift!

The ball came back to her as Foord chased it down but she passed it straight to the Australian.

It was a difficult angle but the shot from Foord had no angle and Yamashita defleted it away with ease.

A third chance goes begging and it comes as Japan are asserting control on the game.

JPN 1 - AUS 0 36’

The Matildas are not going back into their shells after Japan hurt them with that goal.

Foord and Kerr continue to present a dangerous option in the final third while Gorry and Carpenter are busy.

Japan are just smothering them as much as possible.

JPN 1 - AUS 0 28’

From almost nothing the Japanese have created a goal!

It was a brilliant shot from Hamano at the edge of the box after a few crisp passes.

The shot swerves away from Arnold and into the bottom left corner.

JPN 1 - AUS 0 16’

Australia break forward and have the outnumber heading into the box but Foord blows her chance.

She was one-on-one with the keeper but the ball fell to her wrong foot and the shot chips straight into the keeper’s waiting arms.

Scores remain locked with the Matildas having had the best chances so far.

JPN 0 - AUS 0 11’

Even if the Matildas don’t win this game, qualifying for the final gives them automatic entry to the Women’s World Cup next year.

Would be pretty nice to head there as the champions of Asia as well!