China vs Australia: Milicic Faces Former Team in Asian Cup Semi-Finals
Australia's Matildas face China in Asian Cup semi-finals, led by former coach Ante Milicic. China, ranked 17th, take on Australia in Asian Cup semi-finals after strong tournament start.
Australia's coach Joe Montemurro has got some good news, with Steph Catley...
Australia's Matildas face China in the Asian Cup semi-finals, led by former Aussie coach Ante Milicic.
Milicic, who's now guiding China, has a history with the Matildas - he coached them from 2019-20, leading them to the 2019 World Cup round of 16 before leaving for club football.
The 51-year-old Milicic joined China in 2024 after they failed to qualify for the Paris Olympics. He's already made his mark at the Asian Cup, securing China's spot at next year's World Cup in Brazil.
Many from Milicic's 2019 World Cup squad are still in the Matildas, including captain Sam Kerr, Mary Fowler, and goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold.
Milicic said he'll always keep an eye on the Aussie players he coached, but won't let sentiment cloud his judgement against the Matildas
“I had great memories from my time there, but ultimately I'm enjoying this journey now with China,” Milicic told reporters in Perth.
“I'm a better coach, better person, and I'm just really looking forward to the occasion, more than anything.
“To be able to lead China here tomorrow night against Australia at home in a semi-final - that's a dream.”
China, ranked 17th globally, has been on fire in the 12-nation tournament, barely putting a foot wrong. They edged out North Korea 2-1 in the group stage and maintained their momentum with a 2-0 quarter-final win over Taiwan, marking their third clean sheet in four games.
China's coach, Ante Milicic, is thrilled with their progress, having secured a spot in next year's World Cup in Brazil. He's putting sentiment aside as he guides China against Australia in the semi-finals, despite having coached the Matildas previously.
China will miss veteran winger Wang Shuang in the semi-finals due to suspension.
Australia's coach Joe Montemurro has got some good news, with Steph Catley and Hayley Raso cleared to play after passing concussion tests.
Emily van Egmond is on the verge of making history, needing just one cap to become Australia's most capped player, surpassing Clare Polkinghorne's record.
“The most important thing is getting the job done,” said the 32-year-old.
“We’ve worked hard to reach the semi-finals and it’s all about team performance.
“Personally, it’s something to be proud of (reaching 170 caps) but most importantly we want to get the win.”
No comments:
Leave comment here