The Matildas will take on a tough opponent in their Women’s Asian Cup semi-final against China, the nine-time champions now coached by ex-Matildas boss Ante Milicic.
Milicic led the Matildas to the Round of 16 at the 2019 Women’s World Cup, but he’s been in charge of China since 2024.
He previously assisted Ange Postecoglou with the Socceroos, Tony Popovic at Western Sydney, and served as Macarthur’s first A-League Men head coach.
Matilda’s current head coach Joe Montemurro said he had the “utmost respect” for Milicic.
“He sees the game holistically, but sees the game for the reality that it is,” he said. “I think that he’s one of the special coaches that’s been produced in Australia.”
Montemurro said the game would be a “tactical battle” that he’d need to prepare for off the pitch.
“I know [Milicic is] going to throw some things at us,” he said.
Milicic also has high praise for Montemurro, describing the Matildas’ head coach as “incredible”.
Before taking on the helm nine months ago, Montemurro coached several women’s football clubs in Europe, including Arsenal, Juventus and Lyon.
In a major boost to Australia’s victory hopes, vice-captain Steph Catley and star winger Hayley Raso could return to the pitch after passing concussion tests following knocks they both sustained in matches last week.
In other good news for Matildas fans, much-hyped Chinese attacking-midfielder Wang Shuang will be absent after being suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards.
What’s the history between the two teams?
The Matildas, currently ranking 15th in the world, last played China in a friendly series in 2024, securing a 2-0 win in Sydney.
China’s “Steel Roses”, which rank 17th, have won 19 of 44 games against Australia, with only one of those on Australian soil.
Speaking on Sunday, Matildas defender Ellie Carpenter said she expected the upcoming game to be “a fight”.
“And whether that’s 90 minutes or extra time, we have to put everything on the line, because that’s tournament football,” she said.
During the quarter finals, China beat Taiwan in a 2-0 win, and Australia defeated North Korea 2-1.
The winner of the game tonight will advance to face either South Korea or Japan in the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup final.
The Matildas’ game against China will be held at the 60,000-seat Optus Stadium in Perth and will kick off at 6pm AWST (9pm AEDT), live on Network 10.
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