A 1-0 victory of Vietnam has secured the Junior Matildas place at September’s 2019 AFC U-16 Women’s Championship.
Jordan Jasnos’ late 88th minute goal proved the difference in a tight encounter.
“I’m so very proud of the entire team following that hard-fought victory against Vietnam in extremely hot, oppressive conditions,” coach Rae Dower said.
“Today was another great learning moment for these players and for the team. We’re relatively young with players ranging from 14 – 16 years yet we showed a real winning mentality today.”
Australia were looking to follow up their 3-0 win over IR Iran in the opening match with three points over Vietnam.
Commanding for most of the match, it took until late in the encounter for the Junior Matildas to seal a berth in the finals.
“We completely dominated the match and played some outstanding football.
“Once again though we didn’t capitalise on the mountain of chances we created in the final third and still need to work on being more clinical in our finishing.”
“That ‘Never Say Die’ spirit that’s served Matildas’ teams well over the last 40 years was on display and I couldn’t be prouder of the team.”
Australia’s final match in the second round of qualifying will be against hosts Laos. Dower still has her eyes on the team finishing with a perfect record.
“It’s ‘mission accomplished’ in relation to progressing to the Asian Cup later in the year, but we have a really tough match against Laos on Thursday night and we want to finish this tournament on a high and win three from three.”
Australia play Laos on 7 March 2019 at Report New Laos National Stadium, Vientiane.
MATCH DETAILS
Australia 1 (Jasnos 88′)
Vietnam 0
New Laos National Stadium, Vientiane
5 March 2019
