One sleep away from history: Matildas face Japan in Sydney final

Australia's women's national soccer team will face Japan's women's national football team this Saturday (21st March) at Stadium Australia in the final of the AFC Women's Asian Cup.

After progressing through the tournament with a series of hard-fought performances, The Matildas now head into the decider carrying both home momentum and national expectation, with a capacity crowd expected in Sydney.

Captain and striker Sam Kerr leads the side into what could become one of the defining matches of the national team’s modern era.

Attacking midfielder Mary Fowler has continued to shape Australia’s forward play, while wingers Hayley Raso and Caitlin Foord bring pace and direct attacking pressure from wide areas.

Right-back Ellie Carpenter and centre-back Alanna Kennedy remain central to Australia’s defensive structure, with goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold again expected to anchor the back line.

Japan arrives after a commanding semi-final performance, setting up a final between two sides that have looked among the strongest across the tournament.

Broadcast team and ceremony locked in

The final will air live and exclusively across Network 10, 10 Streaming and Paramount+ from 6:30 pm AEDT.

Coverage will be led by host Tara Rushton, with sideline reporter Nalin Mastou, commentary from former Matildas midfielder Grace Gill and commentator Andy Harper.

Studio analysis will also feature former Matildas players Elise Kellond-Knight, Chloe Logarzo, Tameka Yallop and Ash Sykes.

Before kick-off, ARIA Award-winning artist G Flip will headline the closing ceremony, performing All Fired Up live as Stadium Australia builds toward kick-off.

For Australia, the final presents the chance to turn tournament momentum into silverware in front of a home crowd.

Top Image: Network ten

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