Westfield Matildas co-captain Clare Polkinghorne admitted Australia’s inability to take their chances ultimately cost them in Saturday’s (AEST) AFC Women’s Asian Cup Final against Japan.
Australia dominated large periods of the decider in Jordan but were left to rue their wastefulness with Japan’s Kumi Yokoyama netting the game’s only goal with just over five minutes remaining.
READ: Heartbreak as Matildas fall to Japan in AFC Women's Asian Cup Final
Speaking post-match, a devastated Polkinghorne said that Australia’s lack of cutting edge was the difference between the two teams.
“I think just being clinical in the final third. We put them under a lot pressure and created a lot of chances,” Polkinghorne told Fox Sports.
“They took their chance that they needed and that’s what we needed to do.”
Australia started brightly in Amman and had a golden opportunity to take the lead from the penalty spot after Japan’s Saki Kumagai was penalised for a handball inside the box.
But midfielder Elise Kellond-Knight was unable to convert the spot kick and it set the tone for a frustrating night in front of goal for Alen Stajcic’s side.
Polkinghorne conceded the miss may have changed the complexion of the match but felt Australia had enough chances to win the Final.
“The first 10-15 minutes we really put them under pressure and got that penalty,” Polkinghorne said.
“Had we got that it may have changed the game a little bit but in saying that we kept pushing and we created a lot.
“I think once you get one then the floodgates may open. But the positive thing is we’re creating the chances and on another day a chance could go in,” she added.