The Matildas suffered a 3-0 loss to women’s world soccer champions Japan in a friendly match in Tokyo last Wednesday night.
Classy Japan, which is preparing for this month’s Olympic tournament, dominated the game and created many more opportunities than Australia, which failed to qualify for the London Games.
The visitors had a good chance to get on the scoreboard in the first half but Kate Gill could not find the power to beat the Japan goalkeeper from close range following good work by Kyah Simon.
The home team took the lead with a 25th minute penalty after a foul by Australian defender Tameka Butt.
Japan doubled its lead on the stroke of half-time when a right-wing cross was steered in from close range.
Japan tallied 11 shots to two and nine corners to one in the first half.
The hosts continued to press after the break and had a shot deflect off Matildas defender Danielle Brogan onto the post.
It was a brief reprieve as Japan scored its third just before the hour from the ensuing corner, after Australia failed to clear the ball.
Simon had a rare shot for Australia in the 71st minute, but her long range effort was comfortably saved by the goalkeeper.
Inside the last five minutes, Japan had a goal disallowed for offside
Source: AAP