Draw bittersweet for Stajcic

Westfield Young Matildas coach Alen Stajcic said the 1-1 draw with Asian heavyweights in their opening game of the AFC U19 Women’s Championship was somewhat bittersweet.

Westfield Young Matildas coach Alen Stajcic said the 1-1 draw with Asian heavyweights in their opening game of the AFC U19 Women-s Championship was somewhat bittersweet.

Stajcic was philosophical after the match acknowledging that Australia got away with a draw at the end, but also knowing that they could have taken so much more from the game.

“In one respect we were fortunate to get the late goal to equalise,” he said at the after match press conference.

“But in the same breath we had 4-5 outstanding chances to win the game, so although I'm pleased to get a point, the result is somewhat bittersweet.

“However the draw was a fair reflection on the match and both teams had chances to win the game.”

Stajcic acknowledged his teams- attitude to play out the entire match in the hot and very humid conditions.

“Yes I was pleased with the attitude of our team, we played hard for the full 90mins, ran and defended all day, very proud of the team's effort.

“We know we were up against a world class team, both teams had chances to win the game.

“But we have another big game in two days (against hosts China).

“We know they are a very good team technically; our opposition in this group is very tough, we are up against some of the best countries in the world in our group.”