Matildas

2025 - 2 - 21

Crazy Kits and Soccer Drama: Matildas vs Japan Recap!

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The Matildas made their SheBelieves Cup debut against Japan, sporting a new fluro zigzag look and a bunch of drama!

In a thrilling encounter at the SheBelieves Cup, the Matildas took on Japan for their inaugural match in Houston. Right from the start, there was palpable tension in the air, as captain Steph Catley led the Australian team out onto the pitch, highlighting the significance of the occasion. The excitement was thick enough to slice through—until Japan took the lead and sent the Matildas scrambling back to regroup. By half-time, the Matildas faced a daunting 2-0 deficit, showcasing the need for a game plan overhaul.

As the match unfolded, every Australian football fan had their eyes glued to the powerful Mary Fowler, a rising star poised to bring her phenomenal club form to the national stage. Little did we know, this was a match that would reveal Fowler not just as a player but an entertainer offering plenty of twists and turns! Unfortunately, even though she was fueled by her recent record-breaking performances, the team's defensive mix-ups left her magical abilities out to dry, allowing Japan to snag another goal and leave the Matildas reeling.

To add a splash of flair, the Matildas sported their brand-new Nike jerseys, featuring a bold yellow zigzag design that threw traditional colours out of the window. This unconventional kit designed by Kamilaroi artist Reko Rennie aims to reflect Australia's rich cultural heritage while stepping boldly into the future. Honestly, who knew fashion could create such a splash in soccer? The elements of Australian identity are on display, yet the football focus had everyone on the edge of their seats during the game.

With the final whistle blowing and the scoreboard reading a disappointing loss for Australia, the Matildas have learned valuable lessons on the pitch. But hey, it's not all about winning — it’s about bringing the community together and watching our girls hit the field in style! Outside of just this match, incredible talent like Fowler is bound to keep the excitement alive as they move forward in this tournament, showcasing team spirit plus a desire to capture hearts — and maybe some matches in the process!

And while frustration may linger from the match, we can’t overlook the cool fact that this was the Matildas' first-ever SheBelieves Cup appearance! Plus, it's thrilling to think about the heights Fowler has already reached at Manchester City, potentially setting the stage for redefine what it means to be an Australian football superstar. Here’s to hoping for a brighter outcome in the upcoming matches!

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Image courtesy of "ABC News"

Live updates: Matildas vs Japan, SheBelieves Cup, pool stage from ... (ABC News)

The Matildas are competing in the SheBelieves Cup for the first time, meeting Japan at the home of NWSL's Houston Dash to kick off their participation.

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Image courtesy of "The Sydney Morning Herald"

Matildas v Japan LIVE updates: Matildas trail 2-0 at half-time after ... (The Sydney Morning Herald)

Matildas captain Steph Catley will lead the team out against Japan for their first match in the SheBelieves Cup in Houston. Follow all the action.

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Image courtesy of "The Canberra Times"

Matildas hope Fowler can replicate red-hot club form (The Canberra Times)

Mary Fowler is back in the Matildas squad and should play a key role when they kick off...

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Image courtesy of "Chronicle"

Fowler intrigue surrounds Matildas' blockbuster Japan clash (Chronicle)

Mary Fowler has quickly become one of the key figures of the Matildas – but we've yet to see the best of the international superstar.

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Image courtesy of "Matildas"

Nike and Football Australia Unveil First Australian National Football ... (Matildas)

Nike and Football Australia have today unveiled the 2025 Australian National Football Team Collection, designed by renowned Kamilaroi artist Reko Rennie.

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Image courtesy of "NEWS.com.au"

Shock change to Matildas, Socceroos kits (NEWS.com.au)

Traditional gold has been ditched and replaced by a fluoro zigzag on national team shirts for the Socceroos and Matildas, with a new suite of playing gear ...

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Image courtesy of "Nine"

Matildas vs Japan 2025 LIVE scores: SheBelieves Cup results ... (Nine)

Welcome to our live coverage of the SheBelieves Cup, where the Matildas take on Japan in their first ever appearance.

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Image courtesy of "B&T"

Matildas And Socceroos New Zig Zag Kit Drops (B&T)

Nike and Football Australia have today unveiled the 2025 Australian National Football Team Collection, designed by Kamilaroi artist Reko Rennie.

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Image courtesy of "Daily Telegraph"

How Matildas plan to unleash record-breaking superstar (Daily Telegraph)

Mary Fowler is on fire for Manchester City – even setting new records – but interim Matildas coach Tom Sermanni is still working on a way to bring the Mary ...

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Image courtesy of "Nine"

Football News 2025: Matildas wear new Australian Football kit home ... (Nine)

The Matildas have become the first national side to don the new Nike and Football Australia 2025 collection, duirng their SheBelieves Cup match against ...

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Image courtesy of "Daily Mail"

LIVE: Matildas v Japan, SheBelieves Cup (Daily Mail)

32 minutes - A shocking defensive mix-up between Alanna Kennedy and Clare Hunt sees Mina Tanaka poke home her second. The Matildas are in complete disarray.

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Image courtesy of "Matildas"

CommBank Matildas suffer 4-0 defeat against Japan in SheBelieves ... (Matildas)

Mina Tanaka scored a brace while Maika Hamano and Moeka Minami were also on the scoresheet in a dominant performance by the top-ranked Asian team. Interim ...

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Image courtesy of "NEWS.com.au"

Matildas thrashed in sorry display (NEWS.com.au)

The Matildas have produced their worst display under the tenure of interim coach Tom Sermanni, suffering an embarrassing 4-0 loss to Japan in Houston.

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Image courtesy of "The Australian"

Shock change to Matildas, Socceroos kits (The Australian)

Traditional gold has been ditched and replaced by a fluoro zigzag on national team shirts for the Socceroos and Matildas, with a new suite of playing gear ...

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Image courtesy of "Fox Sports"

'Nowhere near good enough': Matildas hammered in thumping ... (Fox Sports)

'Nowhere near good enough': Matildas hammered in thumping defeat to old rival.

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Image courtesy of "Herald Sun"

'Beyond less than acceptable': Matildas embarrassed by Japan (Herald Sun)

The Matildas have produced their worst display under the tenure of interim coach Tom Sermanni, suffering an embarrassing 4-0 loss to Japan in Houston.

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Image courtesy of "Fox Sports"

'Difficult to watch': Matildas torn to shreds over 'unacceptable ... (Fox Sports)

'Difficult to watch': Matildas torn to shreds over 'unacceptable' bloodbath.

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Image courtesy of "ESPN Australia"

Queens of Asia Japan deal Matildas harsh reality check as Asia Cup ... (ESPN Australia)

The Matildas were blown off the park in their SheBelieves Cup opener against Japan in a lesson that can be considered harshly learned.

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Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

Woeful Matildas thrashed by Japan in SheBelieves Cup opener in ... (The Guardian)

First-half brace by Mina Tanaka helps Asia's top team to 4-0 win · Australia register just one shot on goal over course of 90 minutes.

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Image courtesy of "The Advertiser"

Matildas horror show examined after 4-0 loss to Japan in SheBelieves Cup (The Advertiser)

Alarm bells are ringing for the Matildas after their embarrassing display against Japan. Is the coaching uncertainty to blame or are there deeper issues? Here's what we learned from the 4-0 defeat.

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Image courtesy of "Fox Sports"

'Un-Australian' truth that hits hard; Fowler puzzle Matildas still can't ... (Fox Sports)

'Un-Australian' truth that hits hard; Fowler puzzle Matildas still can't solve: Talking Pts.

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Image courtesy of "NEWS.com.au"

'Un-Australian': Matildas coach unleashes (NEWS.com.au)

Matildas interim coach Tom Sermanni has delivered a scathing assessment of his team's “un-Australian” performance in a humiliating 4-0 loss to Japan, ...

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Image courtesy of "The Australian"

Matildas thrashed in sorry display (The Australian)

The Matildas have produced their worst display under the tenure of interim coach Tom Sermanni, suffering an embarrassing 4-0 loss to Japan in Houston.

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Image courtesy of "The West Australian"

Ben Smith: Hunt for new Matildas coach now a race against the ... (The West Australian)

Half a year on from parting ways with Tony Gustavsson, there is still no new coach for the Matildas, who appear stuck in a perpetual state of limbo, ...

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Image courtesy of "Yahoo New Zealand News"

Pasifika passion: Kuilamu dreams of Matildas and more (Yahoo New Zealand News)

Teenage striker Grace Kuilamu is closing in on a Matildas call-up, captaining Australia at U-20 level and wants to be a role model for young Pasifika women.

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Image courtesy of "Hyundai A-League"

Melbourne City gun makes long-awaited Matildas return in ... (Hyundai A-League)

CommBank Matildas interim head coach Tom Sermanni admits the return of Melbourne City star Holly McNamara was one of the only positives to come out of their ...

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Image courtesy of "beIN SPORTS AUSTRALIA"

Japan inflicts historic defeat on Matildas (beIN SPORTS AUSTRALIA)

Japan inflicted its heaviest-ever defeat on Australia's Matildas with a 4-0 drubbing in the SheBelieves Cup.

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Image courtesy of "Yahoo Sport Australia"

Matildas face glaring Sam Kerr issue after SheBelieves Cup ... (Yahoo Sport Australia)

Sam Kerr's absence was once again a huge issue for the Matildas. Find out more here.

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Image courtesy of "NEWS.com.au"

Fans say same thing about Matildas jersey (NEWS.com.au)

The Matildas unveiled their bold new jersey at the SheBelievesCup on Friday, but not everyone was a fan of the new kit. Matthew Sullivan. 4 min read.

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Image courtesy of "The Australian"

'Un-Australian': Matildas' 'huge wake-up call' (The Australian)

Matildas interim coach Tom Sermanni has delivered a scathing assessment of his team's “un-Australian” performance in a humiliating 4-0 loss to Japan, ...

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