Not content with merely qualifying for the FIFA U20 World Cup for the first time in 12 years, the Young Socceroos have booked their place in the U20 Asian Cup final for the first time in 15 years.
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The Australians picked up a 2-0 semi-final win against rivals Japan in Shenzhen, China with second half goals from Musa Toure and substitute Jaylan Pearman setting up a date with Saudi Arabia in Saturday’s final.
The Young Socceroos last made the final of the Asian Cup in 2010, when the tournament was last held in China, and Trevor Morgan’s side will be eager to go one better than the crop of teenagers from 15 years ago who fell 3-2 to North Korea at the final hurdle.
Australia has won all five of their matches to reach the final with a clean sweep of their group followed by a come from behind 3-2 quarter-final triumph against Iraq to book their World Cup berth in Chile in September and October this year, as well as the Japan victory.
Morgan’s team managed to turn the table on the Japanese after doing down 2-1 to them in a friendly earlier this month.
It was a lacklustre first half with neither side registering a shot on target, but Toure, the younger brother of Socceroo Mohamed Toure, provided a regular spark.
He scored the opener four minutes after the break as he slotted home Jonny Yull’s superb low cross.
Pearman put the game to bed shortly, only four minutes after he had come onto the pitch as a substitute, with a beautiful, curling finish from outside the box.
It was set up by Toure pouncing on a loose pass and dishing the ball off to Alex Badolato, the hero from the quarter-final.
Late in the game, Japan threatened several times but Australian goalkeeper Steven Hall, who is with English Premier League outfit Brighton, held firm to keep a clean sheet.
Their opponents in the final, Saudi Arabia, advanced via a penalty shootout after a goalless draw with South Korea.
Former Australian swimmer turned radio commentator Leisel Jones has issued a tear-jerking statement on air this morning in the wake of Marty Sheargold’s appalling comments about female sport.
His show did not air on Wednesday afternoon and Triple M has since made the call to part ways with Sheargold, with the station announcing they had “mutually agreed” to the decision.
“Southern Cross Austereo takes its responsibility to listeners, shareholders and clients seriously and its programming should align with the standards and expectations of its audience,” SCA Chief Content Officer Dave Cameron said in a statement.
“Right now, it’s clear this is a moment for reflection and review. Triple M, and the wider SCA network, will continue to take all necessary steps to support staff.”
Sheargold said: “Having mutually agreed to part ways with the Triple M Network, I fully understand the gravity of my comments.
“I’d like to sincerely apologise to the Matildas and the broader organisation. I would also like to thank my immediate team for their hard work and apologise for the situation they now find themselves in.”
Matildas interim coach Tom Sermanni said sports teams were “used to criticism” but Sheargold’s comments “crossed the line”.
“It’s completely unnecessary and generally outrageous, and, it’s something that from a behavioural perspective, is really very, very disappointing,” he said.
“For me, it’s not so much about sexism and misogyny, in a sense, although that’s unacceptable – let me make that clear.
“It’s what the comments were. The comments just crossed the line. They were just basically out of order and very, very unnecessary.
“Our team is obviously a very high-profile team, and being a high-profile team, you do take criticism, you do create criticism sometimes very near the edge, but sometimes that just goes over the edge, and those comments did that.”
Jones, 39, a nine-time Olympic medallist who co-hosts Triple M Breakfast on the Gold Coast, admitted to listeners she found it hard to front up to work on Wednesday after Sheargold made disparaging comments about the Matildas and women’s sport on his own Triple M show Monday afternoon.
Jones revealed she had been ambushed by dozens of negative comments on her Instagram account in the aftermath from people questioning why she hadn’t taken a stand on Tuesday’s show.
Speaking on-air Wednesday morning, an emotional Jones said she felt “extremely sick” by Sheargold’s comments, while also feeling forced to address why she was yet to talk about the controversy.
“I’m not going to cry. I’m not going to cry,” Jones, who was audibly sobbing, began.
“The comments are so hurtful against women’s sport that The Marty Sheargold Show shared. And obviously I’ve been quite upset all morning, and I was upset when I came in. I’ve been on and off the show all morning.
“It’s a very tricky position to be put in when Triple M is my place of employment, and obviously I love working on the show and I find it incredibly challenging to be put in a position where I become the unofficial spokesperson for women in sport.”
Leisel Jones has broken down in tears over Marty Sheargold’s comments.Source: SuppliedSheargold made disparaging comments about female sport on his own Triple M Show on Monday.Source: Channel 9
She continued, “Obviously, everyone would know I was a woman in sport. I’ve competed at the top level for women in sport and I am one of the biggest supporters. And when I woke up this morning and I came to work, I was bombarded with messages of why I wasn’t responding, why I didn’t say anything on social media.
“And I think a lot of people need to understand that it’s very hard when you’re in this position to say the things that you would really like to say. I would love to say all of these things. I have so many things inside that I would love to say I am the biggest supporter of women in sport.”
That aside, Jones went on to speak directly to the “little boys or girls” who might have heard Sheargold’s comments on their drive home from school.
“Please know that you are welcome to play sport … Sorry, I’m upset,” she said, her voice breaking.
“You are welcome to play sport to whatever level. You don’t have to be a midfielder. You don’t have to be an Olympian. You just play sport because sport is so wonderful.
“The biggest thing we could ask for is men to be on our side, when it comes to women in sport, because it’s always an uphill battle. To be paid less, to get less coverage, to not get the credit they deserve.”
Jones is considered one of the greatest Australian swimmers of all time.Source: News Limited
Finally, Jones issued a message to the Matildas, who were the main target of Sheargold’s spray, saying, “I think it’s so important to know they are inspiring, no matter what level they get to. Please know you are inspiring so many people.”
Sheargold’s controversial comments came after the Matildas kicked off their campaign in the annual SheBelieves Cup with a heavy 4-0 defeat to Japan on Friday, and then followed up with a 2-1 loss to the US three days later.
“There’s something wrong with the Matildas,” Sheargold said on Monday’s show.
“They had that wonderful tournament out here where we all fell in love with them, even though they didn’t make the quarters.
“You know what they remind me of? Year 10 girls,” Sheargold continued.
“All the infighting and all the friendship issues, ‘the coach hates me and I hate bloody training and Michelle’s being a b**ch’.
“Now I’m sorry to undermine the whole sport, but that’s what I think of it so you can stick it up your arse.”
Sheargold later apologised for his outburst. Picture: Supplied/Triple MSource: Supplied
Co-host Will Ralston attempted to continue reading the news, referencing the name of the tournament, which prompted Sheargold to say, “Oh, she believes in what? It better be men.”
Ralston continued with the sports report, saying, “We’re 12 months out from Australia hosting the Women’s Asian Cup, so hopefully we have a better runway to improve before that comes around.”
Sheargold responded, “Oh god. The Asian Cup. I’d rather hammer a nail through the head of my penis than watch that … Got any men’s sport?”
The 53-year-old later responded to the backlash on social media in a statement released by the radio network.
“Any comedy, including mine, can miss the mark sometimes, and I can see why people may have taken offence to my comments regarding the Matildas. I sincerely apologise,” he said.
A spokesperson for Southern Cross Austereo, Triple M’s parent company, also said, “Marty Sheargold’s comments regarding the Matildas — made during Triple M Drive on Monday, 24 February — do not align with Triple M’s views and values, and Triple M remains steadfast in its strong support of all women’s and men’s sports.
Triple M on Wednesday apologised for the Sheargold’s comments, which were made on Monday on his afternoon radio show.
Sheargold said he would rather “hammer a nail through the head of my penis” than watch women’s football and he was “sorry to undermine the whole sport, but that’s what I think of it so you can stick it up your arse”.
Sheargold’s comments also included a reference to the name of the tournament the Matildas are playing in, the She Believes Cup, saying, “Oh she believes in what? It better be men.”
His show did not air on Wednesday afternoon and Triple M has since made the call to part ways with Sheargold, with the station announcing they had “mutually agreed” to the decision.
“Southern Cross Austereo takes its responsibility to listeners, shareholders and clients seriously and its programming should align with the standards and expectations of its audience,” SCA Chief Content Officer Dave Cameron said in a statement.
“Right now, it’s clear this is a moment for reflection and review. Triple M, and the wider SCA network, will continue to take all necessary steps to support staff.”
Sheargold said: “Having mutually agreed to part ways with the Triple M Network, I fully understand the gravity of my comments.
“I’d like to sincerely apologise to the Matildas and the broader organisation. I would also like to thank my immediate team for their hard work and apologise for the situation they now find themselves in.”
Football Australia on Wednesday issued a statement, saying it was “deeply disappointed by the unacceptable comments” and they “not only diminish the extraordinary achievements and contributions of our women’s national football team but also fail to recognise the profound impact they have had on Australian sport and society”.
Triple M radio presenter Marty Sheargold has apologised for comments he made about the Matildas and women’s football. Picture: Supplied/Triple MSource: Supplied
Sermanni said sports teams were “used to criticism” but Sheargold’s comments “crossed the line”.
“It’s completely unnecessary and generally outrageous, and, it’s something that from a behavioural perspective, is really very, very disappointing,” he said.
“For me, it’s not so much about sexism and misogyny, in a sense, although that’s unacceptable – let me make that clear.
“It’s what the comments were. The comments just crossed the line. They were just basically out of order and very, very unnecessary.
“Our team is obviously a very high-profile team, and being a high-profile team, you do take criticism, you do create criticism sometimes very near the edge, but sometimes that just goes over the edge, and those comments did that.”
Triple M’s statement included a personal apology from Sheargold.
“Any comedy, including mine, can miss the mark sometimes, and I can see why people may have taken offence at my comments regarding the Matildas,” he said.
“I sincerely apologise.”
Sermanni said his team had moved on from the matter and was concentrating on beating Colombia after losses to Japan (4-0) and USA (2-1).
“We’ll put that behind us … we’re here to play football,” he said.
“The players have just completely focused on the game.”
Matildas interim coach Tom Sermanni speaks to players Kaitlyn Torpey (left) and Holly McNamara after Australia’s 2-1 loss to USA. Picture: Chris Coduto/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
Sermanni was expecting a “physical” contest similar to Australia’s two matches against Brazil – won 3-1 and 2-1 by the South Americans – in Queensland last year.
“(It will) probably be more of a Brazil-style game that … so that’d be more a very physical game,” he said.
“They’ve got a couple of outstanding players in the line-up. We need to look after them, and being South American, they’ve got a certain rhythm, a certain way of playing that’s a little bit different to the Japanese and a little bit different to the Americans.”
Having been “bullied” by Japan last week, Sermanni was happier with the amount of challenges his side won against the Americans on Monday and wants more of the same on Thursday.
“We had a pretty serious chat after the first game (against Japan), and I think the players responded magnificently in that second game,” he said.
WARNING: This article contains language that some readers may find offensive
Comments live on-air from Triple M radio personality Marty Sheargold about Australia’s Matildas have been blasted as “disgusting” and “a f**king joke” — with the comedian since apologising, while Football Australia called the incident “deeply disappointing”.
The Matildas, Australia’s wildly popular national football side, are in the United States competing in the annual SheBelieves Cup along with Japan, Colombia and the host nation.
When the Triple M program and podcast, The Marty Sheargold Show, began discussing the Tillies’ results in the tournament on Monday afternoon, the host took the opportunity to express his feelings towards the team and women’s sport in general.
It’s understood the station has been flooded with complaints after the comments were posted on social media late on Tuesday.
Listen to part of the comments in the player below
The Matildas following their loss to the United States on Tuesday. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images via AFP)Source: AFP
It’s worth noting that when Sheargold began Monday’s show, he started with the message to listeners: “Little ears warning for the following podcast.
“It’s probably not for kids, there’s some adult concepts, not just today, every day.
“Buyer beware as they say.”
But we’ll leave it up to you to decide whether that is warning enough for what transpired live on Monday afternoon.
The discussion between Sheargold and co-hosts Troy Ellis and Will Ralson began with Ralston mentioning the tournament to date.
“In football or soccer it’s been a nightmare tournament for the Matildas over the last three or four days over in the US,” Ralston said.
Sheargold immediately jumped in with the following rant, including downplaying – unintentionally or otherwise – the Matildas’ semi-final appearance at the 2023 FIFA World Cup on home soil.
“There’s something wrong with the Matildas,” Sheargold began.
“They had that wonderful tournament out here where we all fell in love with them, even though they didn’t make the quarters.
“You know what they remind me of? Year 10 girls,” Sheargold continued, as laughter rang out in the background.
“All the infighting and all the friendship issues, ‘the coach hates me and I hate bloody training and Michelle’s being a bitch’.
“Now I’m sorry to undermine the whole sport, but that’s what I think of it so you can stick it up your arse.”
Triple M radio and podcast host Marty Sheargold. Picture: Supplied/Triple MSource: Supplied
The broadcaster and actor announced at the time he was taking an extended break to spend more time with family and “prioritise self-care (and) maintaining a better work/life balance”.
Ralston then tried to continue with the sports news bulletin, stating: “So we’re playing in the SheBelieves Cup.”
Sheargold jumped in, screaming “Oh, she believes in what? It better be men” as more laughter rang out.
After a conversation about Sam Kerr and her partner, American footballer Kristie Mewis, which included Sheargold’s question “do they play the same position?”, Ralson tried again to keep the bulletin moving.
Kristie Mewis (left) and Sam Kerr were also discussed on the program. (Photo by Jonathan Brady/PA Images via Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“We’re 12 months out from Australia hosting the Women’s Asian Cup, so hopefully we have a better runway to improve before that comes around,” he said.
Sheargold responded: “Oh god. The Asian Cup. I’d rather hammer a nail through the head of my penis than watch that,” as a sound affect and more laughs were heard.
“Got any men’s sport?”
Ralston replied: “Yeah I do, baseball, the New York Yankees have dropped their 49-year ban on beards, on facial hair.”
“Now this is a good story,” Sheargold responded.
The exchange came to light after Olympic hockey player Ambrosia Malone posted part of it on TikTok with the following caption: “I honestly don’t know what is wrong with the world.
Tokyo Olympian Ambrosia Malone posted some of the comments on social media. Picture: Alex Coppel.Source: News Corp Australia
“I heard this on the radio yesterday in prime time (5.30pm) on the way to training and all I could think about was the young girls sitting in the car with their parents, maybe on the way to or from their own training sessions hearing this.
“I’m sure many of them would have been hurt and confused … I was in disbelief.
“This is apparently acceptable on mainstream afternoon radio??? HOW??”
She added: “I’d name the station and speaker, but I don’t want to reward their behaviour with publicity.”
There was a strong reaction on the platform, with many stating the same disbelief at the comments and asking for the station to be named.
“It’s worth lodging a complaint about this,” was one reply. “If you provide the station and time then I’m sure a few people would be interested in also lodging a complaint.”
Marty Sheargold and Mary Fowler. Photo: Triple M and Mark King, Getty Images.Source: Getty Images
Another wrote: “Is this a f**king joke?!? I feel like I’m living in a simulation. That cannot be a real recording.”
“This CAN’T be real,” added a third.
After the station and host was added to the comments, a vast number confirmed they had lodged a complaint with Triple M.
News.com.au has reached out to Triple M for comment.
Meanwhile, more prominent female athletes voiced their anger.
Swimming great Libby Trickett commented: “I’m livid. It’s 2025 and this isn’t funny.”
Netballer Gretel Bueta commented “Yuk”, while Diamonds great Bianca Chatfield left an angry face emoji.
Sheargold has apologised amid the backlash, claimed his joke missed the mark.
“Any comedy, including mine, can miss the mark sometimes, and I can see why people may have taken offence to my comments regarding the Matildas. I sincerely apologise,’’ he said.
Triple M distanced itself from the comments, without indicating whether any disciplinary action would be taken against Sheargold.
An SCA spokesperson said: “Marty Sheargold’s comments regarding the Matildas — made during Triple M Drive on Monday, 24 February — do not align with Triple M’s views and values, and Triple M remains steadfast in its strong support of all women’s and men’s sports. We are sorry for any offence caused.”
Football Australia later issued a statement.
“Football Australia is deeply disappointed by the unacceptable comments made by Marty Sheargold on Triple M regarding the CommBank Matildas. Such remarks not only diminish the extraordinary achievements and contributions of our women’s national football team but also fail to recognise the profound impact they have had on Australian sport and society.
“The CommBank Matildas have inspired a new generation of Australians from young boys and girls to men and women who now see a future for themselves in football and sport more broadly. They have broken barriers, set new standards, and elevated the game to unprecedented heights. Their success has been instrumental in transforming women’s sport in Australia, and they deserve to be covered with the respect and professionalism they have earned.
“While we acknowledge the apologies issued by both Triple M and Marty Sheargold, this incident is a stark reminder of the responsibility media outlets and personalities have in fostering respectful and constructive discussions about women’s sport and its participants. Every comment, every report, and every discussion shape public perception and reinforces our society’s values toward women and girls in sport.”
