Australia encouraged to show courage versus China in Asian Cup semi-final

Australias head coach Joe Montemurro encouraged his players on Monday to display courage in their Womens Asian Cup semi final matchup with the reigning champions China who remain cautious regarding the home sides offensive strengths.

The Matildas narrowly progressed to the final four thanks to a tight 2 1 victory over North Korea during which they found themselves defending for significant portions of the encounter.

We have not consistently shown enough boldness in possessing the ball and everyone understands that my philosophy centres on ball control Montemurro commented prior to the Tuesday showdown in Perth.

Therefore the emphasis has centred on improving that aspect. We face opponents who are highly disciplined and meticulously arranged.

Australia gained a significant advantage as key figures Steph Catley and Hayley Raso were confirmed available after sitting out the previous quarter final due to concussion issues.

This semi final holds particular importance for Leicester City midfielder Emily van Egmond who will achieve the record for Australias most capped player in her 170th appearance overtaking Clare Polkinghorne.

Van Egmond has featured in four World Cups three Olympic tournaments and three Asian Cups remarking that success stems from group endeavour.

We have put in substantial effort to arrive at the semi finals and it boils down to the teams overall showing said the 32 year old whom Montemurro described as one of the finest footballers we have ever developed.

Australia benefits from an additional day of recovery after their Friday exertions against North Korea.

China competed a day later requiring overtime to secure a 2 0 win against Taiwan in a contest where star forward Wang Shuang received a second booking.

Her suspension applies for the upcoming semi but China boasts a manager intimately familiar with Australia.

Ante Milicic guided the Matildas during the 2019 World Cup steering them to the knockout stage and he continues to monitor their progress closely.

I consistently observe the Matildas from a distance and follow the careers of their athletes he noted.

Currently I am relishing my role with China and guiding them to the semi finals fulfils a major ambition for me and the coaching team.

Milicic expresses particular concern over the danger from Australias frontline including Sam Kerr Raso and Caitlin Foord.

Australias attacking talents possess the ability to dismantle any backline and they have excelled at elite levels for years he observed.

On the defensive end we must remain exceptionally solid.

Beyond neutralising Australias offensive dangers we have demonstrated our own scoring potential so striking the proper equilibrium is essential.

The victorious side will encounter either Japan or South Korea in the Sydney final on Saturday.