Chelsea striker Sam Cole scored the winning goal to help host Australia beat defending champion China 2-1 in the Women’s Asian Cup final in Perth on Tuesday.
Cole’s shot from a tight angle in the 58th minute, her fourth goal of the World Cup, proved the difference in a grueling semi-final in front of 35,170 fans on a warm night.
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The Matildas will face favorites Japan or South Korea in Saturday’s final in Sydney.
The game started at a fast pace, with Arsenal forward Caitlin Forde scoring in the 17th minute.
Soon after, China equalized with a Zhang Linyan penalty kick, much to the delight of the flag-waving fans behind the goal.
But China could not contain hometown hero Cole, who ensured Australia’s title win in 2010 was still on course for a second continental title.
“Her presence and aura on the team is huge,” Australia coach Joe Montemurro said of the 32-year-old Cole.
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“She believes in this team and loves playing for her country.”
Impact winger Hayley Raso did not play despite being cleared to play after passing a concussion test.
“Hailey is ready, she’s a member of the 26-man (player roster),” Montemurro said.
“When they’re called on, they’re asked to do a job and that’s the only way we’re going to win on Saturday.”
China’s bid for a record tenth title came to a heartbreaking end as they missed opportunities in front of goal after making 8 of 14 shots.
“I feel very sad for them because I thought we played a good game,” China coach Ante Milicic said.
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“All I asked was for them to give 100 percent and they did. They executed the game plan.
“But in football results matter. We didn’t get the results tonight.”
Under the leadership of Australian Milicic, the head coach of the 2019 World Cup, the Chinese team made six adjustments to the lineup and finally defeated the Taiwan team in overtime in the quarterfinals.
Star forward Wang Shuang was suspended due to yellow cards received in consecutive games.
Australia got a boost when regular defender Stephen Catley entered the starting lineup after missing the quarter-finals due to concussion.
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Montemurro urged the Matildas to be brave after being beaten by North Korea in the quarter-finals, but ultimately won 2-1.
Australia came close to opening the attack when Kaitlyn Torpey delivered a wonderful cross from the left and Mary Fowler’s volley went over the crossbar.
The Chinese team used a defensive press to force the Matildas to make mistakes during the game.
Midfielder Uri Gumula wreaked havoc but China were unable to capitalize on a period of dominance.
The Matildas made them pay when Ellie Carpenter burst down the right wing and found Fowler, who cleverly cut back to Forde.
China responded when Zhang Na pounced on the Australian defense and was brought down by goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold, who was booked and awarded a penalty.
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Zhang put the penalty past Alexander-Arnold and the intensity of the game began to wane, with players from both teams looking breathless by half-time.
After the halftime break, the two sides fell into an arm wrestling match until the onrushing Cole calmly dodged goalkeeper Peng Shimeng and shot from an acute angle.
TL/ANE
