Sam Kerr sends Matildas to World Cup with late equaliser against Japan
The Matildas have come back from the brink to snatch a late 1-1 draw against Japan in the Women's Asian Cup, sealing qualification for next year's World Cup in the process.
Star forward Sam Kerr grabbed an 86th-minute equaliser after the Japanese had taken the lead through a 63rd-minute goal to Mizuho Sakaguchi.
Before Kerr's equaliser, the Matildas had been wasteful, in the end scoring on just one of 14 shots.
Defender Alanna Kennedy said Kerr's late heroics capped off a night of fluctuating emotions.
"I'm so excited. I was saying to a few of the girls it's crazy the emotions that you go through," she said.
"We went from being OK with the score and then under a bit of pressure and a bit frustrated with the goal to being on top of the world, so I'm very happy."
The Matildas now face Thailand in a semi-final on Tuesday, while Japan will face China in the other semi.
In advancing through to the last four in Jordan, Alen Stajcic's side avoided the prospect of a playoff to reach the World Cup.
It is also the latest chapter in a modern rivalry that began in 2010 when Kate Gill's goal knocked Japan out at the semi-finals of the Asian Cup — a tournament the Matildas would win.
The two sides would meet again in the 2014 final, won by Japan.
Since then, Australia has edged Japan in Olympic Games qualifying and at last year's Tournament of Nations.
ABC/AAP
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