Women’s Asian Cup: Matildas take on North Korea for spot in semifinal
The Matildas are missing two stars as their Asian Cup title hopes go on the line against North Korea in Perth.
Hayley Raso and Steph Catley have both failed to overcome concussions in time for the quarterfinal clash.
However, hometown hero Sam Kerr has shown strong form and will hope to lead her side on to the semifinals next week.
Follow all the live action from Perth with our blog.
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’
Bloody work
Wheeler has been left with a cut above the eye and Yu Jong a yellow card after a stray elbow collected the defender as they jumped for a ball.
There’s a quick medical break as a plaster and bandage is put over the cut.
AUS 2 - PRK 1 85’
Attendance
16,466 fans have packed into HBF Park for what could end up a thriller.
A few extras flooded in after work.
Play it up
The Perth fans are getting tense and boos start to ring out as things get held up by the Koreans.
But Song OK doesn’t mind, gesturing to the crowd to get louder.
AUS 2 - PRK 1 77’
Sub time
Van-Egmond and Fowler come off for Wheeler and Sayer.
Fowler has had little impact tonight and the midfield is starting to feel the drain.
And it comes as North Korea force another save from Arnold that spills just wide of the follow-up striker.
AUS 2 - PRK 1 70’
It’s back to one!
North Korea do strike!
Kyong Yong gets deep in the box and crosses to Un Yong who puts it in.
It all started with a poor clearance from the back and North Korea have a deserved goal.
This will be interesting.
AUS 2 - PRK 1 65’
Comeback?
North Korea are attempting to mount a charge but Arnold is standing up well.
Her distribution has been suspect tonight but her saves have been strong.
She is down with some cramp and the physio is giving her some attention.
AUS 2 - PRK 0 62’
Hometown hero!!!!
Kerr makes it five Perth games in a row with a goal!
And the crowd has errupted.
It was a sloppy start from Australia from the second half kick off but North Korea topped it.
A poor pass allowed Kerr to apply pressure and steal the ball back.
And this time, she was the only one putting it in the net with a superb finish.
AUS 2 - PRK 0 47’
Halftime
After two added minutes, the Australians take a one-goal advantage into the break.
Australia dominated the bookends of the half but North Korea showed enough through the middle stages to suggest the home side need at least one more goal to make sure they make a semifinal.
Especially after a late strike from Korea grazed the post for a narrow miss.
North Korea have four shots on target from their eight attempts while the Matildas registered just one shot, the goal.
AUS 1 - PRK 0
Fighting back
Australia may hold the lead but they are just starting to fight back in the possession battle.
They are getting the ball higher up the pitch and the North Koreans don’t have as much skill in their defence as they do in the front third.
A second before the break would help Montemurro, who has been animated, breath easier.
AUS 1 - PRK 0 44’
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