January 21 – Australia’s women exploded into the Asian Women’s Cup with an 18-0 opening group win over Indonesia at the Mumbai Football Arena earlier today.
Australia, one of the favourites for the tournament and building towards their joint hosting of the Women’s World Cup in 2023, were merciless with an inexperienced Indonesian team who, making their first appearance at the finals since 1989, fought bravely but always knew the challenge against a physically dominant Aussie team was a big step up.
The match saw Chelsea striker Sam Kerr score five and go four goals ahead of Tim Cahill in Australia’s all-time goal scorers list.
Eight Australians scored in what was their biggest ever win in the Asian Cup. They now face the Philippines on Monday while Indonesia meet Thailand.
The flood of goals was in direct contrast to the 0-0 draw played out in Group A yesterday at the D.Y. Patil Stadium between hosts India and tournament debutants Iran.
Making their first AFC Women’s Asian Cup appearance, Iran found themselves under pressure from the start from an Indian side who are aiming for a deep run in the competition.
With India controlling the game, it took a series of saves by Iranian keeper Zohreh Koudaei to keep a clean sheet against an Indian team comfortable on the ball. Iran next face China who beat Chinese Taipei in the tournament opener.
India will be looking for a significant win against Chinese Taipei to keep their tournament hopes alive.
In the first group C game two-time defending champions Japan breezed past Myanmar with a 5-0 win.
They face tougher group competition next week when they meet Vietnam and South Korea who play each other later today.
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