Japan have once again proven themselves to be the classiest sporting nation on the planet after producing a lovely gesture for the Matildas following the Asian Cup final. The Matildas were left heartbroken after going down 1-0 in front of 74,397 fans in Sydney.
Some players were in tears and others appeared inconsolable in scenes reminiscent of when the Matildas lost in the semi-finals of the World Cup. But they picked themselves up and put on a classy display in the post-match presentation.
Japan showed their class after beating the Matildas in the Asian Cup final. Image: Channel 10/Getty
The Japanese players showed their absolute class by forming a guard of honour to celebrate the Matildas coming second when they were called up to receive their silver medals. The Japanese players offered their hands for high-fives as Sam Kerr and the Matildas walked past.
The Aussie players then repeated the favour, forming a guard of honour for Japan when it was their turn to receive their medals. The wonderful scenes sparked praise on social media, with many commending both sets of players.
One person wrote: “Japan just formed a guard of honour for the Matildas during the post-match presentation – Superb sportsmanship after a wonderful final.” Another wrote: “Love the guard of honour the Tillies formed for Japan as they went up to stage. Is that usually done? Very classy. Japan did that for Tillies. What a lovely gesture that is.”
While a third added: “Japan’s squad and team officials form a guard of honour for the Matildas as they take to the stage to receive their runners-up medals in front of what must be said is maybe 10,000 people still in attendance – lovely vibes all round.”
The Japanese team formed a guard of honour for the Matildas. Image: Channel 10
Alanna Kennedy wins MVP despite Matildas’ loss in final
Despite the loss in the final, Matildas player Alanna Kennedy was named MVP of the tournament. The veteran scored five goals to help Australia finish second.
“It’s kind of sad that we didn’t get the job done,” Kennedy admitted. “I think that’s probably what sucked the most, that early goal and then we were chasing the game.
“It has been a really fun tournament for us as a group. We just said in our post-match chat that the togetherness and the vibe around the team has felt really nice and really special. Hopefully, that can continue under Joe (Montemurro) over the next year and into the World Cup.”
Alanna Kennedy was named MVP of the tournament.
(Matt King via Getty Images)
Ellie Carpenter lamented the Aussies’ inability to convert numerous chances. “I think it just came down to that final execution,” Carpenter said. “Fatigue plays a role in this tournament with rotation and all that. This is going to hurt for a while… I just don’t think we deserved this loss.”