Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Ho Chi Minh City: Coach Alen Stajcic admitted his much-changed Australia side had a tougher than expected outing against Jordan in their second AFC Women’s Asian Cup Group A outing, despite the defending champions’ 3-1 victory at Thong Nhat Stadium on Friday.
After promising to operate a rotation policy in the group stages of the tournament, Stajcic was true to his word with 10 changes from the side that had drawn 2-2 with Japan in their opening tie on Wednesday.
Experienced forward Kathryn Gill netted a brace and second-half substitute Katrina Gorry scored the third to make the points safe not long after the hour-mark but Jordan captain Stephanie Al Naber did pull one back for the West Asians with 20 minutes of the game remaining.
“It was tougher today than Wednesday as a lot of our players hadn’t played together before and hadn’t played competitive football since the end of their seasons back in January and February, so it was a bit of a disjointed performance at times,” said coach Stajcic.
“A lot of young players were out there playing their first or second international, so it’s a positive that many of them got a run out.”
Al Naber’s goal for Jordan looked to be marginal decision as Brianna Davey in the Australia goal was adjudged by the referee’s assistant to have carried the midfielder’s speculative long-distance shot over the line; however Stajcic had no qualms about the decision.
“I couldn’t tell you at all about that, you have to go by the official’s position as she’s in a better place to view it. I certainly have no complaints about it,” he added.
For Jordan coach Masahiko Okiyama the match was very much three points lost despite the brave performance from his players following their 3-1 defeat against Vietnam in their Group A opener on Wednesday.
“Our preparation from the very beginning was all directed at winning this game against Australia. I am serious, we went there with all our power to get the three points today, unfortunately we were on the losing side,” said coach Okiyama.
“After the first defeat to Vietnam it was a little bit difficult and hard for the players as they were down. However, they showed great resolve to solve their mental problems and they entered the game with their full power and I’m very happy about this.
“Today’s game we let everyone know that West Asian teams can compete at the highest level, and we put on a show and demonstrated that we’re trying to reach that level of modern football, even if we need to improve more before we can challenge one of Asia’s top three.”