No silverware, but unbeaten Matildas still impress

THEY don’t have the trophy, but the Matildas believe their Tournament of Nations campaign is more proof they have what it takes to win the one that matters — next year’s Women’s World Cup.

Australia gained some sweet revenge on its Asian Cup conquerors Japan with a 2-0 win yesterday to finish the round-robin format event un- defeated. But a 4-1 victory by the United States over Brazil meant the Matildas were unable to retain their trophy from last year, the Americans winning on goal difference.

However goalkeeper Lydia Williams is looking on the bright side.

Australia finished the tournament unbeaten and with the best defensive record of all three teams, conceding just two goals.

“There’s definitely a lot of positives we can take away from this tournament,” Williams said.

“There’s a few things that we need to get better at as a group and individually and that will be our main focus.

“We want to go into 2019 flying and the World Cup ready to go.”

Williams said the Matildas already viewed themselves as genuine contenders for the forthcoming World Cup in France next June. Their per- formances in the Tournament of Nations have only cemented that feeling.

Australia beat Brazil 3-1 in its opening match and drew 1-1 with the world No.1-ranked Americans on Monday after conceding a late goal from a corner kick.

Then it recovered from a sluggish start against Japan to overwhelm the team that edged it in April’s Asian Cup final.

Defender Alanna Ken- nedy’s free kick goal in the 47th minute and a late strike from Samantha Kerr proved the difference in Bridgeview, Illinois.

Kennedy’s effort went straight through the Japanese wall and beat goalkeeper Chika Hirao at her near post.

Kerr, who was playing at the venue her NWSL club Chicago Red Stars call home, eventually doubled the advantage in the 81st minute.