Japan sets up Matildas Cup grudge match

Jun 24, 2015 - 4:53 AM Reigning world and Asian champions Japan have locked themselves in as the Matildas' next challenge at the Women's World Cup.

Playing more than 48 hours after Australia booked their place in the last eight with a 1-0 victory over Brazil, defending champions Japan beat the Netherlands 2-1 in Vancouver, Canada to set up a all-Asian quarter-final on Sunday morning (AEST).

Japan and the Matildas share a long rivalry dating back three decades, intensified by Australia's move into the Asian confederation in 2006.

In Edmonton, they'll share a pitch for the first time since the 2014 Asian Cup final, won 1-0 by Japan in Vietnam.

Australia previously held the crown after disposing of Japan by the same scoreline in the 2010 tournament semi-finals, before a triumph over North Korea on penalties in the decider.

Coach Alen Stajcic, who made his Matildas tournament coaching debut in Vietnam, said the side had only improved since the 2014 tournament when a set-piece sucker punch was the difference in the final.

"That was 12 months ago now and we've grown a lot since then, on and off the field," he told Fox Sports News.

"It gave us great belief that we could match the world champions then, and certainly if we play to our potential we can beat them this time round."

Matildas forward Ashleigh Sykes said the rivalry with Japan would add to the occasion of the quarter-final.

"It's close between us at the moment," she said.

"They've won a World Cup so they're a bit ahead of us, but it's a good rivalry."

With the benefit of playing their first knockout match last Sunday (AEST), the Matildas are settled and back in training in Edmonton.

Midfielder Katrina Gorry, whose precision pass that led to Kyah Simon's goal was vital in securing Australia's progression to the last eight, said the squad delighted in hearing the large impact of their Cup performances back in Australia.

"It's good to see Australia get behind us, finally seeing what we're actually capable of," she said.

"It's pretty incredible to see how much belief Australia has in us ... it really boosts us."

Japan qualified for the last eight in Canada after Mizuho Sakaguchi added onto Saori Ariyoshi's first-half opener.

An embarrassing fumble from keeper Ayumi Kaihori in injury time allowed Kirsten Van de Ven to claim a consolation goal but the Oranje had no time to find another.

Source: AAP