Montemurro confident Matildas can adapt to Japan test SYDNEY, Australia -- Australia’s Women’s National Team coach Joe Montemurro expressed confidence in his side’s ability to adapt and overcome Japan in Saturday’s Asian Cup final, despite the historical dominance of the Nadeshiko side. The Matildas, who reached the final after a hard-fought campaign, emphasized their readiness to face the tournament’s top team, acknowledging the challenges but focusing on their own strengths. Montemurro, who has not watched Japan’s 4-0 victory over Australia in the SheBelieves Cup last year, described the context of the current match as different. “This is a different Australia team. It’s a final of a tournament; both teams have had different routes, and both teams have progressed and been better, or have made changes accordingly,” he said. He highlighted the team’s adaptability as a key factor, noting their ability to adjust strategies when plans didn’t unfold as expected. “We’ve found the level of understanding that when things aren’t going the way we planned, we can change, and we can find a way. That’s a sign of a team that believes, a team that is growing in their own belief.” The rivalry between Australia and Japan has been a defining feature of Asian football in recent years, with Japan winning the last two Asian Cup finals they have contested. The Matildas’ last victory over Japan dates back to 2018, when they defeated the team 2-0 at the Tournament of Nations. Montemurro acknowledged Japan’s recent dominance but insisted his team was prepared to challenge them. “We’re better prepared because we found the level of adaptability,” he said. The final will take place at Stadium Australia, a venue where the Matildas have hosted major tournaments, and Montemurro emphasized the home advantage.#joe_montemurro #matildas #nadeshiko #stadium_australia #sam_kerr
