The Matildas have rarely, if ever, taken the simplest path towards the silverware that has eluded what is widely claimed to be a golden generation. Now they will have to navigate a longer and bumpier road than hoped via a quarter-final and, if they progress further, semi-final (both played in Perth) to reach the decider of the Women’s Asian Cup back in Sydney.
This time they will also shoulder a heavier load from the baggage of again squandering a host of chances and failing to beat their continental nemesis, South Korea, on Sunday night. As Alanna Kennedy showed with an equaliser slammed home deep into stoppage time, though, the Matildas might have their frailties but can be relied on to keep pushing even – or especially – when their backs are to the wall.
