Young Matildas go down to Japan

The Young Matildas went down 2-0 to Japan in their opening AFC Under-19 Women's Championship game in China.

Larissa Crummer started, but it wasn't enough against a strong Japan side. (Getty Images) Source: Getty Images North America

Earlier this month, Young Matildas head coach Ante Juric named a strong squad for the tournament, including four capped Matildas: Larissa Crummer, Emma Checker, Amy Harrison, and Alex Chidiac. 

Crummer, Checker, and Harrison started the match against a strong Japan side, but it was to no avail.

Both goals came in the first half, which Japan dominated.

The first was set up Hina Sugita, who set up Rikako Kobayashi to open the scoring with only 11 minutes on the clock.

The second came just before the half hour mark, when a short corner routine saw Nana Ichise set up Kobayashi for her second goal of the match.

Japan rained shots on the Australia goal in the second stanza, too, and Juric's side did well to keep the defecit to only two goals.

The best chance for those in green and gold came Amy Harrison lashed a shot against the crossbar in the 65th minute.

Angela Beard tested Japan's goalkeeper too before the contest was out, but the real damage was done in the first half an hour.

Australia's chances to make amends will come against China and Uzbekistan later this week. 

Australia v China PR

Thursday, 20 August 2015

Jiangning Sports Centre Stadium, Nanjing

Kick-Off: 7.00pm (local), 9.00pm (AEST)

Australia v Uzbekistan

Saturday, 22 August 2015

Jiangsu Training Base Stadium, Nanjing

Kick-Off: 4.00pm (local), 6.00pm (AEST)

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