Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Osaka: Coach Alen Stajcic has warned Australia to keep their feet on the ground ahead of Wednesday’s meeting with Vietnam at Nagai Stadium after the Matildas enjoyed a dream start to the AFC Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Rio 2016 qualifiers with an opening day victory over Japan.
Lisa De Vanna, Michelle Heyman and Katrina Gorry scored on Monday as Australia beat hosts Japan 3-1 (pictured) at Kincho Stadium.
But with Australia playing five games in 10 days at the six-team tournament, Stajcic’s side must now turn their attentions to a Vietnam side who lost 2-0 to China in their opener on Monday.
“It’s just the one win; we know it was an important one, but that’s all, now we have to think about Vietnam,” said Stajcic, with Australia looking for a return to the Olympic Games for the first time since 2004.
“If we think beating Japan is enough then we won’t qualify, so we have to focus hard on our upcoming matches.”
Play-off qualifiers Vietnam are aiming to reach their maiden Olympic Games and held their own against China before losing to two second half strikes on Monday.
“We don’t have some of the qualities of others at the competition, but what we do have is a real spirit, our players will give 100% and we will show this against Australia,” said Vietnam coach Mai Duc Chung.
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Meanwhile, Japan, who claimed a silver medal in London four years ago, will look to bounce back against Korea Republic at Kincho Stadium with only two teams qualifying for Brazil later this year.
“There are two sides to playing at home with both pressure and motivation during the match, but I’m not one of those players who gets too caught up in things and I still have a lot of confidence that we can make it to Rio,” said Japan forward Yuki Ogimi, who scored in the defeat against Australia.
Women's Olympic Final Qualification Round: All you need to know
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