Matildas waltz into World Cup

The Matildas created their own slice of history by becoming the first Australian football team to qualify for a World Cup via Asia, doing so with an organised and committed effort that was assisted by Japan goalkeeper Miho Fukumoto, who endured a nightmare evening.

Striker Caitlin Munoz put Australia ahead within 10 minutes and the result was sealed when Joanne Peters scored in the shadow of half-time, firing home after Fukumoto had inexplicably grassed a corner from Collette McCallum.

"I don't think I've ever been as proud of a team as I am of this team tonight," Matildas coach Tom Sermanni said.

"I just thought the character and discipline of the players and the way we defended was unbelievable.

"The effect (qualification) will have on our team is enormous because they'll now have belief that they can win against teams ranked higher, teams that are technically among the best, and look like they belong."

The semi-final immediately exhibited a level of urgency above that seen during the group games.

Japan showed plenty of skill on the ball, and threatened to get in behind Australia on a few occasions early.

However, the Matildas went ahead after nine minutes.

Sally Shipard found herself in possession at the top of the penalty area, and she drove the ball into the area, from where Munoz hit a first-time effort into the top corner.

Fukumoto was helpless to stop the goal, but she was at fault two minutes later, dropping a regulation cross.

Shipard squandered the open sight of goal, however.

The teams traded blows thereafter, Japan going close when defender Kyoko Yano headed fractionally wide from a 15th-minute corner.

Australia was held together expertly in defence by captain Cheryl Salisbury before making a few aggressive forays approaching half-time.

Sarah Walsh won a corner in one of the attacks, in the final minute of the half, and Fukumoto promptly spilled McCallum's dead-ball effort.

Peters bundled the ball into the net to put Australia within touching distance of the World Cup.

Australia was content in the second half to defend in numbers and respond on the break, something they very nearly accomplished when Shipard headed against the crossbar after Walsh had set off on a swift 59th-minute run.

Japan had plenty of territory but failed to craft many genuine opportunities, leaving the Australia to bask in the achievement of qualification.

Australia, yet to concede a goal in the tournament, will contest the Asian Cup Final against China or North Korea on Sunday.

Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi woooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!

thats great news for the Aussies, glad to see them making strides in the women's game