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Sam Kerr admits she is yet to come to terms with the heartbreak of the #Matildas’ defeat to Japan in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup final as the national team’s focus shifts to next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

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Australia
www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer...
‘It sucks’: Sam Kerr is still digesting Matildas’ Asian Cup heartbreak
It’s been less than three weeks since Sam Kerr and the Matildas lost the Asian Cup final to Japan – and they’re still not over it.
www.smh.com.au
April 9, 2026 at 8:04 AM
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The #Matildas have joined their Japanese counterparts in a joint letter criticising the amount of prize money on offer for the recently concluded Women's Asian Cup.

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www.abc.net.au/news/2026-04...
Matildas players join Japan criticising 'inequality' in prize money
Fierce rivals on the field, the Matildas and Japan have joined forces to slam the Asian Football Confederation's prize money for the Women's Asian Cup.
www.abc.net.au
April 2, 2026 at 12:59 PM
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Matildas 0-1 Japan | Full Review & Analysis | #DubZone Special

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Australia

duration 34:07
www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxIz...
Matildas 0-1 Japan | Full Review & Analysis | Dub Zone Special
YouTube video by A-Leagues
www.youtube.com
March 26, 2026 at 5:43 AM
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Japan coach hails #Nadeshiko character after Asian Cup triumph

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Japan confirmed its status as the Asian powerhouse with a third ⁠title in the last four editions of the tournament.

www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2026/...
Japan coach hails Nadeshiko character after Asian Cup triumph
Japan confirmed its status as the Asian powerhouse with a third ⁠title in the last four editions of the tournament.
www.japantimes.co.jp
March 23, 2026 at 10:12 AM
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#woso #WAC2026 #JPNvAUS

"The final of the Women’s Asian Cup may have seen the Matildas go down 1-0 to Japan, but it was an unqualified victory for Ten, which drew its biggest TV audiences since the Melbourne Cup in 2023."
mumbrella.com.au/matildas-fin...
Matildas final draws biggest ratings for Ten since 2023
The final of the Women’s Asian Cup may have seen the Matildas go down 1-0 to Japan, but it was an unqualified victory for Ten, which drew its biggest TV audiences since the Melbourne Cup in 2023.The m...
mumbrella.com.au
March 23, 2026 at 1:27 AM
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The end? Coach feels Matildas era has only just begun

Joe Montemurro wants the #Matildas to use their Women's Asian Cup final loss to Japan as a springboard to more success.

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Australia
www.perthnow.com.au/sport/soccer...
The end? Coach feels Matildas era has only just begun
Joe Montemurro wants the Matildas to use their Women's Asian Cup final loss to Japan as a springboard to more success.
www.perthnow.com.au
March 22, 2026 at 5:10 AM
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The pride of being named player of the 2026 Women's Asian Cup meant little to Alanna Kennedy as she summed up another near-miss for the Matildas at a major tournament.

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www.perthnow.com.au/sport/soccer...
Kennedy's 'sad' admission as Matildas fall short
Alanna Kennedy is adamant the Matildas can lick their wounds from their Asian Cup final defeat and rebound at next year's World Cup.
www.perthnow.com.au
March 22, 2026 at 4:47 AM
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Japan win Women’s Asian Cup with victory over Australia

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www.nytimes.com/athletic/713...
Japan win Women's Asian Cup with victory over Australia
www.nytimes.com
March 22, 2026 at 1:02 AM
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Women's Asian Cup 2026: #Matildas endure familiar pain, but will the relief ever come?

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Australia
www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03...
Matildas endure familiar pain in Asian Cup final, but will the relief ever come?
The Matildas were despondent after losing the Asian Cup final to Japan for the third time, as the golden generation's shot at a major trophy may have passed.
www.abc.net.au
March 22, 2026 at 12:45 AM
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Montemurro urges Matildas to take inspiration from heartbreak

Joe Montemurro has urged his heartbroken Matildas to not let a brave 1-0 Women’s Asian Cup final loss to Japan derail their quest for an elusive piece of silverware.

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thewest.com.au/sport/soccer...
Montemurro urges Matildas to take inspiration from heartbreak
Joe Montemurro has urged his heartbroken Matildas to not let a brave 1-0 Women’s Asian Cup final loss to Japan derail their quest for an elusive piece of silverware.
thewest.com.au
March 21, 2026 at 11:54 PM
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Women’s Asian Cup: Japan beat Australia in final to claim continental title

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The decider culminated a landmark tournament with more than 350,000 fans through the turnstiles, six times as many as the previous record

www.scmp.com/sport/footba...
Women’s Asian Cup: Japan beat Australia in final to claim continental title
The decider culminated a landmark tournament with more than 350,000 fans through the turnstiles, six times as many as the previous record.
www.scmp.com
March 21, 2026 at 1:06 PM
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Matildas suffer heartbreak as Japan stunner wins third Women’s Asian Cup crown

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www.theguardian.com/football/202...
Matildas suffer heartbreak as Japan stunner wins third Women’s Asian Cup crown
Australia fall short despite multiple attempts on goal as Maika Hamano’s shot from outside the box proves the difference in Japan’s 1-0 victory in Sydney
www.theguardian.com
March 21, 2026 at 12:55 PM
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Small but mighty cheers for team Japan at Asian Cup final

Young Japanese diaspora in Sydney will be showing up loud and proud in support of Japan against Australia's Matildas at the Asian Cup final on Saturday.

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www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03...
Small but mighty cheers for team Japan at Asian Cup final
Young Japanese diaspora in Sydney will be showing up loud and proud in support of Japan against Australia's Matildas at the Asian Cup final on Saturday.
www.abc.net.au
March 21, 2026 at 2:31 AM
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Women's Asian Cup 2026: How the goldfish mentality is helping #Matildas defender Kaitlyn Torpey

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www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03...
Matildas defender Kaitlyn Torpey is a goldfish, and it's taking her to new heights
A Ted Lasso lesson, and an Australian indie rock classic, are inspiring Kaitlyn Torpey to take her career to new heights, as she prepares for tonight's Women's Asian Cup final.
www.abc.net.au
March 21, 2026 at 1:55 AM
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Third time’s the charm? Australia face stern Japan test in Asian Cup final

#woso #WAC2026 #AFCWAC2023 #JPNvAUS aje.news/8zt7ny
Third time’s the charm? Australia face stern Japan test in Asian Cup final
Hosts Australia will be hoping to turn the tables on Japan as they meet for a third time in the Asian Cup final.
aje.news
March 20, 2026 at 2:15 PM
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Time is running out for the Australia team led by captain Sam Kerr to win a major trophy as they prepare to meet a red-hot Japan in the final on Saturday

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www.theguardian.com/football/202...
‘We need to believe’: Matildas embrace underdogs tag for last shot at home glory in Women’s Asian Cup
Time is running out for the Australia team led by captain Sam Kerr to win a major trophy as they prepare to meet a red-hot Japan in the final on Saturday
www.theguardian.com
March 20, 2026 at 2:09 PM
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wrt-t.bsky.social Peter (Wry T) Wright @wrt-t.bsky.social · Mar 20
Australia chases rare major trophy in Asian Cup decider against formidable Japan

A tournament that has smashed attendance records from all previous editions will conclude with a bumper crowd ​at Stadium Australia in a dream final for local fans and organizers.
www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2026/...
Australia chases rare major trophy in Asian Cup decider against formidable Japan
A tournament that has smashed attendance records from all previous editions will conclude with a bumper crowd ​at Stadium Australia in a dream final for local fans and organizers.
www.japantimes.co.jp
March 20, 2026 at 11:46 AM
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Matildas downplay Japan fears in hunt for Asian glory

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www.canberratimes.com.au/story/920382...
Matildas downplay Japan fears in hunt for Asian glory
Vice-captain Ellie Carpenter has played down fears Australia's Women's Asian Cup campaign will end in heartache as the...
www.canberratimes.com.au
March 20, 2026 at 5:29 AM
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'It's about flicking a switch': Matildas not yet ready to beat Japan with Joe Montemurro's tactical vision

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www.nine.com.au/sport/footba...
'It's about flicking a switch': Matildas must drop ego to beat Japan
'Breathtaking stealth' the key to lifting trophy
www.nine.com.au
March 20, 2026 at 5:25 AM
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Montemurro confident Matildas can adapt to Japan test

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www.espn.com.au/football/sto...
Montemurro confident Matildas can adapt to Japan test
Joe Montemurro is confident the Matildas have grown since their last meeting with Japan as the pair write a new chapter in one of Asia's best rivalries.
www.espn.com.au
March 20, 2026 at 5:11 AM
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‘It’s 50-50’: coaches dodge ‘favourites’ question before #Matildas meet Japan in Women’s Asian Cup final

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www.theguardian.com/football/202...
‘It’s 50-50’: coaches dodge ‘favourites’ question before Matildas meet Japan in Women’s Asian Cup final
The Matildas are either ‘shit’ or ‘honey’ according to Japan coach Nils Nielsen, who evaded a question on whether his side are favourites in a bemusing press conference
www.theguardian.com
March 20, 2026 at 3:31 AM
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‘I told you so’: The sight that brought this former Matildas captain to tears

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www.theage.com.au/sport/i-told...
‘I told you so’: The sight that brought this former Matildas captain to tears
When Melissa Barbieri’s Matildas won the Asian Cup in 2010, they were largely ignored by media on their return to Australia. On Thursday, the contrast could not have been starker.
www.theage.com.au
March 19, 2026 at 9:25 AM
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Japan’s ruthless streak poses fresh challenge for rising Matildas in Women’s Asian Cup final

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The world No 6 team have scored 28 goals and conceded just one, starting Saturday’s final against hosts Australia as clear favourites
www.theguardian.com/football/blo...
Japan’s ruthless streak poses fresh challenge for rising Matildas in Women’s Asian Cup final | Martin Pegan
The world No 6 team have scored 28 goals and conceded just one, starting Saturday’s final against hosts Australia as clear favourites
www.theguardian.com
March 19, 2026 at 9:19 AM
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Women's Asian Cup 2026: #Matildas on notice as Japan soar into final — here's what we learnt from the second semifinal

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www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03...
Quick hits: Matildas put on notice as Japan soar into Asian Cup final
Ultimate control, goals from everywhere and an eccentric coach from Greenland. This is what we learned from Japan's supremely impressive semifinal victory over South Korea.
www.abc.net.au
March 19, 2026 at 3:15 AM
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#AFCWAC2026 #WAC2026 #woso

football360.com.au/womens-asian...
Japan coach's unbelievable interview about the Matildas every Aussie fan should watch
Japan coach Nils Nielsen delivered one of the most extraordinary interviews you’ll see from a manager after his side beat South Korea 4-1.
football360.com.au
March 19, 2026 at 12:41 AM