The Junior Matildas have qualified for the Under-17 World Cup for the first time since Australia\u2019s move to the Asian Confederation, thanks to a 2-0 win over Vietnam in the quarter finals of the AFC U-17 Women\u2019s Asian Cup 2026, which also sets up a semi final date against Japan. <\/p>\n
The win at the Suzhou Sports Centre Stadium seals Michael Cooper\u2019s side\u2019s progress to the showpiece event in Morocco in October. <\/p>\n
Kaya Jugovic\u2019s shot from the left was too hot to handle and Frideriki Karaberis\u00a0was the quickest to react in the 28th minute.<\/p>\n
The side went 2-0 up in exquisite fashion, with Leyla Hussein chipping the keeper from the right side of the box. <\/p>\n
\u201cTo see this group achieve something so significant is incredibly special,\u201d Cooper said. <\/p>\n
\u201cFrom the first day we came together,\u00a0there\u2019s\u00a0been a real intent in how they have trained,\u00a0connected\u00a0and\u00a0represented\u00a0their country.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThey have embraced every challenge along the way and stayed focused on what we are building as a team. Earning a place at the U17 FIFA Women\u2019s World Cup is a fantastic reward for their effort and\u00a0an important step\u00a0in their\u00a0development\u00a0as players and people.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u00a0will make sure we take a moment tonight to enjoy what we\u2019ve achieved, but we also remain focused on this\u00a0tournament\u00a0with a semi-final ahead and more we want to deliver this campaign.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n