Japan 'fearing' Westfield Matildas: Gorry

Westfield Matildas midfielder Katrina Gorry believes Australia's history with Japan has sparked a ‘fire in the belly’ of her side ahead of their crucial Asian Cup clash on Friday night (AEST). 

Gorry has played in some of the country’s biggest matches against Japan, including the Asian Cup final loss back in 2014 and last year’s 4-2 victory in the Tournament of Nations.

After a scoreless draw with South Korea to kick off the tournament was backed up with an 8-0 win over Vietnam on Wednesday, the 25-year-old says there's a buoyant mood within the squad. 

“Coming off a big win against Vietnam always helps and it’s built some momentum and confidence in the team that we can create chances and put them away as well,” Gorry said.

“We’ve played Japan quite a lot in the past couple of years, they have had big wins over us in a couple of tournaments but we’ve all grown with a lot of experience and I think it puts a bit of fire in our belly to get a win tomorrow night.

“We’re all really excited and I’m sure everyone is going to get up for the game and get one back on them.”

Gorry knows the Japanese better than most having spent time with Vegalta Sendai last year, and believes the Nadeshiko may be on the decline. 

“I think they’re not as good as they used to be. I think technically they’re one of the best teams in the world still but they are very structured and they don’t like to be pressed and that’s something we do very well,” Gorry said.

“That’s something they fear in us, we’re physical, we’re fast and we press really high up the park so I think that’s probably something they’re fearing and that we bring and we’re probably one of the best in the world at it as well.

“As technically gifted as they are, I think we’ve got one on top of them.”