Credit: Tung Manh Phan

Richie Mills

Sun 1 March 2026 20:10, UK

Everton Women’s star Clare Wheeler had an excellent outing as Australia began their Asian Cup campaign with a win.

Wheeler was among four Everton players selected for their respective countries, with Toffees teammates Rion Ishikawa, Honoka Hayashi, and Hikaru Kitagawa all picked to play for Japan.

Host nation Australia got the tournament underway on Sunday when they edged past the Philippines at Perth Stadium in front of nearly 45,000 fans in a 1-0 win.

Chelsea’s Sam Kerr got the winner in the 14th minute, with Wheeler heavily involved in the build-up to the goal.

If Everton boss Scott Phelan was watching this one, he would likely have been proud of midfielder Wheeler’s impressive display, as the Matildas overcame their stubborn opponents.

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Australia indebted to Everton’s Clare Wheeler

Wheeler was heavily involved 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.

On the AFC‘s website, they wrote how Wheeler was playing as a six and with a great deal of effectiveness for her country.

Australia dominated the game but couldn’t get a second, and Wheeler will likely be called upon again when the tournament hosts take on Iran at Gold Coast Stadium on 5 March.

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Australia aim to end barren Asian Cup spell

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, with China the competition’s most successful nation with nine triumphs.

That win came back in 2010 in China, with the Aussies coming second on three occasions.

The Matildas took part in the first-ever tournament in 1975, but after featuring in the 1980 edition, they did not return until 2006, where they lost to China in the final.

Between 1981 and 2003, Australia fell under the umbrella of the Oceania Football Confederation, but now they are back playing in the Asian Cup.

Australia will hope to finish top of the pile in the 12-team tournament that runs until 21 March. Incidentally, Everton will hope Wheeler comes home unscathed.

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