AFC Women's Asian Cup
That the Matildas will be one of the eight teams to advance is certain, but they require at least a point against Chaba Kaew to be sure of advancing as group winners, while the Thais' more complicated knockout stage equation will also be resolved at Mumbai Football Arena.
Gustavsson’s side have taken no prisoners since touching down in Mumbai, piling on 22 unanswered goals in wins over Indonesia and the Philippines, and living up to their billing as title contenders.
The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup co-hosts have fielded exceptionally strong starting line-ups in their group stage matches, with stars like Sam Kerr, Ellie Carpenter and Steph Catley all starting on both occasions.
Gustavsson hinted at possible changes for his side’s third and final match in Mumbai but declared there would be no letup in terms of how they approach the match itself.
“We’re going to treat that game the same way we’ve done with these two,” he revealed. “Meaning, we have two main targets for the group stage.
“One was to win the group, and two was to get out of the group with as many players as possible available and peaking physically and mentally going into the playoffs."
#WAC2022 - Group B | Philippines 0 - 4 Australia
“Now we have secured a spot in the playoffs. We have almost secured the first spot (in the group). A tie in the last game would secure that. We’re going to do that in a way that makes sure we have as many players as possible available for the quarter-final, but also peaking.
“We take this tournament really seriously and every game matters. I think everybody has seen that now with the two line-ups and what we’ve done in the first two games.”
Australia’s path to winning the group – and booking a quarter-final date with either Japan or Korea Republic – is clear, but Thailand’s position in the race for the knockout stage is far more complicated.
The Thais are level with the Philippines on points after a Kanyana Chatthabutr-inspired 4-0 win over Indonesia on Monday, but the loss they suffered to Alen Stajcic’s side on Matchday One means they still sit third in the group standings.
To finish second, and book a direct place in the last eight, Thailand will certainly need to avoid defeat against Australia, but they are also likely to require a favour from Indonesia against the Philippines while a third-placed finish would also give them a chance of progressing, provided they don’t lose heavily against the in-form Australians.
To finish second, and book a direct place in the last eight, Thailand will certainly need to avoid defeat against Australia, but they are also likely to require a favour from Indonesia against the Philippines while a third-placed finish would also give them a chance of progressing, provided they don’t lose heavily against the in-form Australians.
#WAC2022 - Group B | Indonesia 0 - 4 Thailand
Head coach Miyo Okamoto is aware that Thailand can only control their own game on Thursday, and the Japanese boss said her side will chase all three points.
“As we’ve always prepared for a match to win, we will do the same for the Australia game as well,” she said. “We suspect we won’t have that many chances against Australia, but we need to up the quality in the chances we might encounter against them.”
Australia cruised to a 6-0 win the last time the two sides met, during Tokyo Olympics qualifying, but their most recent AFC Women’s Asian Cup meeting was far closer, with the Matildas advancing on penalties after a thrilling 2-2 semi-final draw in Amman in 2018.
AUSTRALIA v THAILAND
Mumbai Football Arena, Mumbai
Mumbai Football Arena, Mumbai
Kick-off: 19:30 (UTC+5:30)
