Women’s Asian Cup Recap: Matildas seal semifinal berth with win over North Korea in Perth
The Matildas are through to a semifinal after coming up clutch in a tense contest against North Korea in Perth.
Hayley Raso and Steph Catley both failed to overcome concussions in time for the quarterfinal clash.
However, hometown hero Sam Kerr proved her strong form is going nowhere, scoring a dynamic second goal after Alanna Kennedy opened the scoring in the ninth minute.
Recap all the action from Perth below.
That’s that
It could have ended in heartbreak for the Matildas but two moments of pure class were the difference as they saw off a determined North Korea.
Alanna Kennedy and Sam Kerr will sleep soundly tonight but the Matildas have some work to do ahead of the semifinals.
We will be back then!
Still going
Some of the players are still making the rounds as fans hang around to celebrate a good night for the Matildas.
Sam Kerr was spotted for a while before getting back into the rooms to start prepping ahead of Tuesday.
MATCH REPORT
The Matildas have survived a tense match against the world No.9s to book their spot in the semifinals.
Relive all the action with Ben Smith’s comprehensive match report.
Celebrations
The Matildas are all over the crowd as they celebrate, recognising their tremendous support.
Kerr was named as player of the match, much to the Perth supporters’ delight!
Semifinal time!!!!!!
The Matildas hang on and they are through to the final four!
The Perth crowd roar as the subs run onto the pitch to celebrate.
A huge effort from North Korea but they were not clinical enough in the end.
AUS 2 - PRK 1
FINAL MINUTE
Korea are maing one last attempt to break down the Aussies and could have had a corner but a poor volley gives the ball to Arnold.
AUS 2 - PRK 1 97’
Save!
North Korea get a shot on target but it ends in the welcoming arms of Arnold.
The Aussies are looking to keep the ball here.
AUS 2 - PRK 1 96’
Her moment
Kerr is taken off so she gets a moment of appreciation from her beloved home fans.
The noise is going up a notch.
AUS 2 - PRK 1 95’
Eight extra minutes
There will be eight minutes of stoppage time which draws a huge groan from the Aussie faithful.
Can Australia hang on?
AUS 2 - PRK 1 90’
More changes
Gorry and goal-scorer Kennedy come off with Cooney-Cross and Rule are introduced for the last minutes.
AUS 2 - PRK 1 88’
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