Australia fall to Japan in final Olympic warm up game

Australia's final warm-up game ahead of Tokyo 2020 has ended in a 1-0 loss to host nation Japan at Sanga Stadium in Kyoto. 

A lone Mana Iwabuchi penalty was enough for Nadeshiko to secure the win. Matildas head coach Tony Gustavsson deployed an attacking lineup in the first half. 

A strong defensive block from the hosts was difficult to break down, but Australia created a few chances. 

Caitlin Foord's off-balance shot in the 20th minute was easily collected by Ayaka Yamashita in the Japan goal.


While Sam Kerr broke down the left wing and her cross was put into a dangerous area but couldn't be turned in by Foord or Kyah Simon. 

Nadeshiko produced the best chances of the first half with Teagan Micah in her second start for the national side pulling off some magnificent saves.  

A shot from Yuzuho Shiokoshi was claimed calmly while a long range Yuika Sugasawa shot saw Micah reach out a hand while she was falling to keep the ball out of the back of the net. 

NEWS: Matildas Tokyo 2020 Olympic Team extended from 18 to 22 players

WATCH: "Ecstatic" Laura Brock soaking up every minute of Tokyo 2020 

READ: Be Their Champion: Support the Matildas at Tokyo 2020

In hot and humid conditions, Gustavsson made six changes for the second half, to continue managing loads and trying out combinations to create cohesion. 

Mary Fowler, Lydia Williams, Aivi Luik, Chloe Logarzo, Emily Gielnik, and Alanna Kennedy entered the fray in place of Sam Kerr, Teagan Micah, Tameka Yallop, Kyah Simon, Caitlin Foord and Steph Catley. 

Less than 10 minutes into the half, an Alanna Kennedy error saw Japan earn a penalty. Mana Iwabuchi hit the penalty coolly past her Arsenal teammate Lydia Williams, who guessed the right way but couldn't keep the ball out. 

Iwabuchi's sixth goal of 2021 gave Japan the lead. Mary Fowler attempted an immediate response but her shot continued to rise over the crossbar. 


Much like Micah in the first half, Lydia Williams made a spectacular save with Jun Endo's shot warranting a one handed tip over the bar to safety from the current longest serving Matilda. 

Ellie Carpenter provided some attacking spark, often being allowed to roam down the wings and put dangerous balls into the area, however, neither Australia nor Japan could find the back of the net. 

Focus now turns to Australia's Tokyo 2020 Olympic campaign which begins on July 21 against New Zealand at Ajinomoto Stadium.