Friday, 20 April 2018:
 | | ALEN STAJCIC looks on prior to a Women's International match at AAMI Park in Melbourne, Australia. | |
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THE MATILDAS - JAPAN RIVALRY
Australia face Japan in the Asian Cup final on Saturday morning (0300 AEST).
The Matildas have played the Nadeshiko six times - in five different countries - under Alen Stajcic for two wins, two draws and two losses.
* Asian Cup 2018: Australia 1-1 Japan - Amman, Jordan
The sides met seven days before Saturday's Asian Cup final, needing to avoid defeat to progress on top of their group. Sam Kerr's goal with five minutes remaining did the job.
* Tournament of Nations 2017: Australia 4-2 Japan - San Diego, USA
The Matildas backed up their 1-0 defeat of world No.1 USA days earlier with a comprehensive defeat of the Nadeshiko. Kerr hit a first-half hat-trick and Emily van Egmond scored the sealer from the spot.
* Olympic Qualifying 2016: Australia 3-1 Japan - Osaka, Japan
Australia earned their first win over Japan on Japanese soil at a crucial moment. Goals from Lisa De Vanna, Michelle Heyman and Katrina Gorry ensured the Matildas booked a spot at Rio - at Japan's expense.
* World Cup 2015: Australia 0-1 Japan - Edmonton, Canada
Japan eliminated the Matildas from the World Cup in the quarter-finals with a late goal from Mana Iwabuchi. They would go on to make, and lose, the final against USA.
* Asian Cup Final 2014: Australia 0-1 Japan - Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
The final was a tense affair, settled by Azusa Iwashimizu's 28th minute strike. Every Matildas player used from that match bar two is in Jordan this month, eager to rectify it.
* Asian Cup Group Stage 2014: Australia 2-2 Japan - Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
The arch-rivals also met in the tournament's opening night, with Caitlin Foord and Lisa De Vanna giving the Matildas a 2-0 lead before a late Japan rally.
