Kyah Simon says Matildas have learned lessons from loss ahead of Asian Cup

STAR striker Kyah Simons says the recent snapping of the Matildas eight game winning run has strengthened their resilience as the team amps up preparations for the crucial Asian Cup

Striker Kyah Simon in a match against China last year.

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STAR striker Kyah Simons says the recent snapping of the Matildas record eight game winning run has strengthened their resilience as the teams amps up preparations for the crucial Asian Cup.

The veteran footballer was absent with a hamstring injury she picked up in the W-League Grand Final when Portugal held the Matildas to a controversial 0-0 draw at the Algarve Cup, ending the Australian’s historic run of success.

The stalemate against Portugal early in March was the Matildas’ first goalless draw since facing Brazil at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.

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Simon says the loss has worked for, and not against, the Matildas as they prepare for Mondays invitational against Thailand in Perth and the upcoming Asian Cup in Jordan.

Kyah Simon scoring for the Matildas against Korea last year.

“It came at a good time to challenge us, to build our resilience,’’ Simon said.

“It has provoked the hunger. It is very easy in sport to become a little complacent.

“Sometimes you get more out of a loss than a win.’’

But Simon said the Matildas are keen to start a new period of success, starting with a win against Thailand.

“As an athlete you always want to be winning all the time,’’ she said.

“The big picture for us in the Asian Cup so this game against Thailand is a good hit out for us.

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“They have a very different style of play and it will be a good send off for us.’’

Simon was recalled to the Matildas despite missing the recent Algarve Cup in Portugal, with coach Alen Stajic naming his 23-strong squad for the Asian Cup, which doubles as a FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier, earlier this week.

Matildas coach Alen Stajcic directing players at a training session in Portugal earlier this year.

The squad is stacked with experience with players boating 1108 international caps between them, at an average of just over 48 caps per player.

Simon, Emily Gielnik, Steph Catley, and Hayley Raso missed playing at the Algarve Cup but have all been named in the Asian Cup side.

The Matildas will play Japan, Korea Republic and Vietnam in Group B of the 2018 AFC Women’s Asian Cup.

The top five teams at the tournament will qualify for the 2019 FIFA women’s World Cup, while the top two teams in each group will advance to the semi-final stage.

Originally published as Kyah Simon says Matildas have learned lessons from loss ahead of Asian Cup