‘We need to believe’: Matildas embrace underdogs tag for last shot at home glory in Women’s Asian Cup

Time is running out for the Australia team led by captain Sam Kerr to win a major trophy as they prepare to meet a red-hot Japan in the final on Saturday

The end is nigh, and Ellie Carpenter – even though she is not 26 for another month – knows it.

The Matildas fullback revealed the significance of the Women’s Asian Cup final in a brutally frank pre-match press conference that underscored time is running out for most of the team led by captain Sam Kerr.