CommBank Matildas vice captain Steph Catley said she was so proud of the team after their heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to Japan in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026™ final.
She was speaking immediately post-match.
“It was one of the hardest defeats in my career,” she said.
“I just think we did everything we could have, we did everything we set out to do. We played against an amazing side. We were brave and created chances and it just wasn’t to be.
“I’m so proud of this team, so proud to be part of this team and to represent what we do. It’s a really tough one.”
The team created a number of chances, but just weren’t able to convert those chances into goals. Maika Hamano’s first-half wonder strike proved the difference between the two teams on a day that Australia took it to the World No.5 team.
In defeat, the team demonstrated their never-say-die attitude.
“It’s something we pride ourselves on, something that’s built within us,” she said.
“They scored an amazing goal, and that was the difference. That’s football sometimes. It’s heartbreaking.
“You look at the crowd and what Australian football has become, and that’s something to be proud of. I’m so proud of this team and I’m so proud to be part of it every single day. It’s a shame we haven’t got anything to show for it, because we deserve it.”