Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Amman: Australia needed an injury-time equaliser and a penalty shootout to finally see off a gallant Thailand, in a dramatic AFC Women’s Asian Cup semi-final won 3-1 on penalties after finishing 2-2 after 120 minutes.
After making two major errors during the match, goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold emerged as Australia’s unlikely hero, making three saves in the shootout, leaving Sam Kerr to convert the kick which took them to their third consecutive final.
Thailand, led by the magnificent Kanjana Sung-Ngeon, pushed the favourites to their limit in a performance worthy of one Asia’s top four teams, but fell just short of completing the upset of the tournament.
Matildas head coach Alen Stajcic made six charges to the side which had started against Japan four days earlier, with Kerr, Emily van Egmond, Steph Cately and Lydia Williams among the regulars to be omitted.
Having breezed to a 5-0 win against the same opposition just 22 days prior, Australia were widely expected to have the measure of the Thais but the first half proved to be a much tighter contest than many expected.
Australia dominated possession and early chances, and – despite committed Thai defending - took the lead when Chaba Kaew defender Kanchanaporn Saenkhun unfortunately headed a dangerous Emily Gielnik cross into her own net in the 17th minute.
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/album_australia_v_thailand _-_wac2018.html
ALBUM: Australia v Thailand - #WAC2018