Everton Women’s star Clare Wheeler had an excellent outing as Australia began their Asian Cup campaign with a win on Sunday. The Toffees midfielder was among four Everton players selected for their respective countries alongside teammates Rion Ishikawa, Honoka Hayashi, and Hikaru Kitagawa, who all play for Japan.
https://twitter.com/EvertonWomen/status/2028435380454748614
Host nation Australia got the tournament underway when they edged past the Philippines at Perth Stadium in front of nearly 45,000 fans with a 1-0 victory. Chelsea‘s Sam Kerr got the winner in the 14th minute, with Wheeler heavily involved in the build up to the goal.
https://twitter.com/TheMatildas/status/2028054924232372513
Drew in Two Defenders Before Crossing
Wheeler was absolutely crucial in Australia’s sole goal. After receiving the ball near the right touchline, she drew in two would be defenders before fizzing in a dangerous cross to the back post. Arsenal’s Caitlin Foord was on hand to head the ball back into the six yard box, and Kerr did the rest from six yards out.
The Guardian described this as fantastic work from Wheeler, who had a fine shift before being replaced by Alanna Kennedy in the 67th minute. The news outlet added that Wheeler and midfield partner Katrina Gorry impressed at the base of Australia’s midfield.
Playing as a Six With Great Effectiveness
On the AFC’s website, they wrote how Wheeler was playing as a six with great effectiveness for her country. Australia dominated the game but could not get a second goal, and Wheeler will likely be called upon again when the tournament hosts take on Iran at Gold Coast Stadium on March 5.
https://twitter.com/TheMatildas/status/2019305506163057035
This is the 21st version of the Asian Cup, but Australia have only competed in it on eight occasions. They have only won it once, back in 2010 in China, with that being their sole triumph in the competition. Australia will hope to finish at the top of the pile in the 12 team tournament that runs until March 21.
Also read: Sam Kerr Explains Why She Still Isn’t 100 Percent After Injury as Chelsea and Australia While Admitting To ‘Self Doubt’