On the one hand I think Japan are showing magnificent form.
Samurai.
On the other hand the #Matildas have just done so, so well on their own comeback trail.
I aged heavily during #AUSvCHN.
May end up a pinot vampire in order to survive this next one.
#AUSvJPN
There we goooooo!!! Final whistle and the Tilies are in the final!
Another gutsy performance to deny the current champions.
Foord had a fine game with a goal and an assist and was awarded the player of the match.
FT 2-1
#AUSvCHN
#WAC2026
GO ON YA TILLIES!!!
Cracking game. Quality football. Physical as hell.
Bring on the Final.
#Matildas #AUSvCHN #WAC2026
Sub for Australia and history is being made
Gorry and Kennedy OFF
Van Egmond and Rule ON.
Van Egmond now has 170 caps and is the record holder for appearances for her country.
93' 2-1
#AUSvCHN
#WAC2026
China still pressing and Arnold is forced to watch a shot go past her far post.
92' 2-1
#AUSvCHN
#WAC2026
The Matildas now using every moment they can to chew up time as the assistant announces a minimum of 6 additional minutes.
90' 2-1
#AUSvCHN
#WAC2026
Sub for China
Zhang Chengxue and Chen Qiaozhu OFF
Wang LinLin and Yuan Cong ON
87' 2-1
#AUSvCHN
#WAC2026
Montemurro has spent most of the last 15 minutes right on the edge of the technical area, urging his players on.
Kaitly Torpey has been excellent this half, and her partnership with Foord has been a big reason for the way Australia have gained more control of this game.
86' 2-1
#AUSvCHN
#WAC2026
Ante Milicic urging his players on as the Chinese try to lift and find the equaliser here.
84' 2-1
#AUSvCHN
#WAC2026
Montemurro goes to the bench now.
Fowler and Cooney Cross OFF
Wheeler and Sayer ON.
78' 2-1
#AUSvCHN
#WAC2026
Double sub for China
Zhang Rui and Wang Yanwen OFF
Li Qingtong and Liu Jing ON
77' 2-1
#AUSvCHN
#WAC2026
Last 15 minutes and Australia have been showing signs of being more controlled and forcing China to play a little longer.
Foords influence along with Cooney Cross is growing.
77' 2-1
#AUSvCHN
#WAC2026
Foord starting to become more involved along with Torpey.
Corner for Australia as a result of Foord dribbling to goal line.
Taken by Catley and Kerr's header deflected for another corner on the other side.
67' 2-1
#AUSvCHN
#WAC2026
That goal has eased the nerves of both the players and the crowd as China were starting to take control.
Some excellent work by Torpey and Gorry to finally release Foord, and her pass was of the highest quality to Kerr who produced a terrific finish.
65' 2-1
#AUSvCHN
#WAC2026
China is doing an excellent job of denying the Matildas any time on the ball and forcing them to rush their passes, making it difficult for them to break the press.
55' 1-1
#AUSvCHN
#WAC2026
Half time. A fast-paced and entertaining game with both teams going for it.
The Chinese have been very physical with the press and have forced the Matildas into turnovers.
Australia are perhaps guilty of looking for Kerr, but have shown they are dangerous on the counter.
HT 1-1
#AUSvCHN
#WAC2026
A minimum of 3 additional minutes as Foord and Kerr try to combine, but the attempt is snuffed out.
45' 1-1
#AUSvCHN
#WAC2026
2nd yellow of the game. Heavy challenge on Gorry by Wang Aifang. That was a bad challenge and left Gorry on the floor. Over the ball and possibly worthy of more than a yellow.
34' 1-1
#AUSvCHN
#WAC2026
Shot by Fowler, but that's a relatively comfortable save by Peng Shimeng. Encouraging to see Fowler gliding over the pitch though.
29' 1-1
#AUSvCHN
#WAC2026
Penalty to China! Arnold brings down Zhang Linyan after she nicked possession from a hesitant Wheeler. Linyan steps up and buries it to level the scores.
Bad mistake by Wheeler there, who let the ball bounce instead of heading away.
24' 1-1
#AUSvCHN
#WAC2026
Save from Arnold! She pushes the ball away from Wurigumula as China seek a quick response to that goal.
19' 1-0
#AUSvCHN
#WAC2026
