Australia vs DPR Korea to Kick Off the Quarter-Finals of the Women’s AFC
- therookiereporters
- 16 hours ago
- 2 min read
A wild, crazy and chaotic game in Perth to kick off the quarter finals of the tournament! Amazing tactical decisions from both sides and a screaming Tillies crowd, what more could you ask for? Read ahead to see who scored and who advances to the next stage; semi-finals.
North Korea started the game with a strong hold of the ball and the pitch, leading possession and forcing the Matildas into the defensive zone.
The Matildas were quick though, able to move where needed and send the ball to defender, Alanna Kennedy, who scored the first goal, just 9 minutes in, sending the crowd into a frenzy of screams, cheers and chants.
The game continued with a tense tug-of-war between both sides, fighting for the upper hand and hoping to score a goal. For the Australian side, it would help them rest comforted with two goals up, and for DPR Korea, it would allow them to push for the leading goal and progress to the semis.
In the 47th minute of the game, hometown hero Sam Kerr scored the game’s second goal and celebrated with a well-balanced jump onto the screens before being surrounded by her teammates for a cheerful embrace.
DPR Korea utilised their substitutions, subbing Ri Hak and Chloe Il-Son in place of Han Jin-Hong and Kim Song-Gyong.
The revitalisation of energy on the pitch was felt all throughout the stands and was proven with a 65th-minute goal from Chae Un-Yong.
Five minutes later, it was Matilda’s turn for a substitution, with Amy Sayer and Clare Wheeler hopping on for Mary Fowler and Emily Van-Egmond.
The game roared on with vigour and passion from both sides, fighting hard for more goals, but after two yellow cards, one for each team, and some 90th-minute substitutions (Charlize Rule, Kyra Cooney-Cross and Michelle Heyman), the game came to a close with the 2-1 scoreline for the Matildas.
The Tillies and the fans screamed and celebrated together, as the tearful DPR Korea team admired their efforts over the tournament and said goodbye to a spot at the finals.
As well as the Matildas played, the statistics showed a dominant DPR Korea, with 61.7% of the possession, and 10 shots on goal, compared to the Matildas’ 2 shots on goal. The Australian side also made 9 saves, where the DPR Korea team made zero and managed to only concede two goals!
The Matildas will focus on preparing for their semi-final game, whilst DPR Korea get ready for World Cup qualifiers.
Article written by Milla Sinfield
