Weakened Japan still big threat says Williams

Westfield Matildas keeper Lydia Williams says despite Japan missing players, the world champions will still be a massive threat when they meet Australia.

Westfield Matildas keeper Lydia Williams says despite Japan missing players, the world champions will still be a massive threat when they meet Australia in the opening group clash at the AFC Women-s Asian Cup.

“It will be an interesting tournament, Japan are missing four or five of their players. Their respective European clubs won-t release them. Kozue Ando and Shinobu Ohno for example,” Williams said when asked about Wednesday night-s blockbuster.

Japan is reigning world champion and Australia reigning AFC Asian Cup champion, which makes for a blockbuster clash between the two group heavyweights.

Australia is also in with host nation Vietnam and Jordan.

“They will still be a quality side, but their absence will leave significant gaps in Japan-s strongest starting team,” added Williams.

For more on Lydia Williams, tap here for retired Matilda Sally Shipard-s column where she speaks with the American based keeper.

Don-t forget Fox Sports will broadcast live and exclusive the Westfield Matildas- tilt at AFC Asian Cup glory in Vietnam, starting on Wednesday night.

The live coverage features commentary from Fox Sports Hyundai A-League commentator Brenton Speed who-ll be joined by former Matildas striker Sarah Walsh.

Fox Sports will air all three Aussie group matches live beginning with Wednesday-s massive showdown against Japan. The broadcast kicks off at 11.05pm on Fox Sports 3HD & Fox Sports 3.

Fox Sports will continue to follow Australia-s Asian Cup bid through the finals should they advance to the last four.

AFC WOMEN-S ASIAN CUP FOX SPORTS BROADCAST SCHEDULE

WED 14 MAY: AUSTRALIA V JAPAN FOX SPORTS 3HD & FOX SPORTS 3?LIVE, 11.05pm

FRI 16 MAY: AUSTRALIA V JORDAN FOX SPORTS 1HD & FOX SPORTS 1?LIVE, 8.05pm

SUN 18 MAY: AUSTRALIA V VIETNAM FOX SPORTS 2HD & FOX SPORTS 2?LIVE, 10.05pm

Westfield Matildas Squad for AFC Women-s Asian Cup 2014

Teigen ALLEN - Defender (Western Sydney Wanderers), Laura ALLEWAY - Defender (Brisbane Roar), Nicola BOLGER - Midfielder (Sydney FC), Tameka BUTT - Midfielder (Brisbane Roar), Kim CARROLL - Defender (Brisbane Roar), Stephanie CATLEY - Defender (Melbourne Victory), Brianna DAVEY - Goalkeeper (Melbourne Victory), Lisa DE VANNA - Forward (Boston Breakers), Casey DUMONT - Goalkeeper (Sydney FC), Caitlin FOORD - Forward (Sky Blue FC, USA), Kate GILL - Forward (Perth Glory), Katrina GORRY - Midfielder (Brisbane Roar), Michelle HEYMAN - Forward (Canberra United), Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT - Midfielder (Brisbane Roar), Alanna KENNEDY - Defender (Western Sydney Wanderers), Samantha KERR - Midfielder (Western New York Flash, USA), Leena KHAMIS - Forward (Sydney FC), Teresa POLIAS - Midfielder (Sydney FC), Clare POLKINGHORNE - Defender (Brisbane Roar), Hayley RASO - Forward (Brisbane Roar), Ashleigh SYKES - Midfielder (Canberra United), Emily VAN EGMOND - Midfielder (Western Sydney Wanderers), Lydia WILLIAMS - Goalkeeper (Western New York Flash, USA)

** Emma Checker and Amy Harrison were added to the list submitted by Westfield Matildas Interim Head Coach Alen Stajcic after the AFC Women-s Committee amended a regulation to allow participating Member Federations (countries) a total of 25 registered players for the AFC Women-s Asian Cup 2015, two more than the number originally permitted.

Both Checker and Harrison will remain in Australia on stand-by until required, whilst the rest of the squad is in Vietnam.