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The Matildas’ upcoming Asian Cup quarter-final on their home turf promises to evoke a sense of déjà vu. They stand at a crossroads: either repeating a triumphant past or exiting at the same stage as their last campaign.
Back in 2010, a young Sam Kerr, then just 16, took to the field during a nail-biting final against North Korea in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup. Amidst a packed penalty area, Kerr netted her debut international goal, celebrated with her signature backflip, which paved the way for the Matildas to claim victory in a penalty shootout, ultimately securing the championship.
This Friday marks the first encounter between the Australian and North Korean teams in a decade, their last meeting having occurred at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Now leading as captain, Kerr is set to be the sole player from that 2010 squad to start the game, likely drawing enthusiastic support from the crowd in her hometown of Perth.
The outcome of this critical match will not only propel the winning team into the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup semifinals but will also earn them a place in the 2027 Women’s World Cup set to take place in Brazil.
Temperature raised for Friday semifinal knockout
The Matildas will face off against North Korea at the Perth Rectangular Stadium tomorrow, Friday, at 6:00 PM AWST. However, the shift to Perth wasn’t part of the original plan, as noted by a player earlier this week.
Their draw with South Korea last Sunday meant the Matildas were set to face a runner up team from Group B. Their fate sealed when North Korea lost to China.
The possibility of a tough Friday knockout match was also heightened, after the North Korean team refused to continue playing against China in the 51st minute until the halftime whistle blew, when a VAR decision that dismissed an initially suspected offside, resulted in a goal for China.
The Chinese team were initially celebrating, but slowed down to watch on as a fourth official attempted to diffuse the situation before the North Korean coach was served a yellow card.
The controversy drew international criticism.
Former Matildas forward, Ashleigh Sykes commentating on the match, immediately voiced her disappointment. “Many a player who has played against them have seen this sort of thing deployed before. When they’re not happy with a decision often times they try and force the referees into changing that decision.”
The combination of the Matildas’ draw and North Korea’s loss meant a Perth match would go ahead.
Matildas defender Clare Hunt said the Matildas weren’t on their dream path through the tournament but the situation is “not too bad”.
“We would have loved to stay in Sydney, but it’s the way the tournament has gone for us. Being in Perth, and remaining in Perth, is not too bad for us,” she said. Describing the team as feeling “refreshed”, Hunt said the team expected a challenging game.
“They’re quite strong physically, and that’s part of their game … Obviously their style of play is slightly different to what we might experience or have experienced previously in the tournament or in our club. We’re quite excited for the challenge and looking forward to Friday night.”
Matildas injuries confirmed
Forward Hayley Raso and vice captain and defender Stephanie Catley have been ruled out of Friday’s match with injuries and will not play in the quarter final.
Raso, who landed in Perth with the team, took two head knocks during the winning game with Iran last week. She was previously ruled out of last Sunday’s match against South Korea.
Vice captain and defender Stephanie Catley will also not appear after sustaining a concussion in the match against South Korea. Catley landed in Perth a day after the team, fuelling further doubts that she’d be cleared to play.
Concerns that Courtney Nevin might struggle filling in for Catley were raised after her defensive error led to an unblocked South Korean kick at the goals, and penalty-resulting handball took the opposition to draw against the Matildas with three goals.
Hunt attempted to quash any criticism of her teammate. “Everyone has tough moments on the field. Nevs has bounced back incredibly well, she has the support of her team and staff.”
South Koreans come out for North Korean team
While it’s currently illegal for North Koreans to leave their country without government permission, South Koreans came out in support for the North Korean team in Paramatta against Uzbekistan on Tuesday 3 March.
Daniel Han, Councillor at the Ryde Council was in attendance. “It’s a rare occasion that they’re here for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup. We have formed a community group, support group to support both North and South Koreans,” he said.
If North Korea achieve victory, it will give them a chance at making it through to the final and winning their fourth AFC Asian Women’s Cup tournament.
The Matildas may have other World Cup qualifying chances but they’ll be chasing their second Asian Cup win in 16 years.
— This story was produced in collaboration with SBS Korean.