The Republic of Korea v Australia AFC Asian Women’s Cup

Here’s everything you may have missed in the last matches of the group stage. We welcomed back players, scored goals and so much more 

(Image credit to The Guardian)

As the game takes off, both teams have had amazing past matches, but Australia is looking a lot more thirsty for this match. Australia kicked off trying to take a shot, but unfortunately, it landed in the keeper's hands. The Republic of Korea seems to have a passing sequence, but Australia's defence is strong to break it. Unfortunately, Catley from the Matildas was hit right in the back of the head. Thankfully, she was able to get back up and play on.

In the 9th minute, Australia had an amazing chance, but it wasn’t for them. It was just a bit too high and went over the net. The ball is kept a lot more on the side where Australia is shooting, but the Republic of Korea were not enjoying that and quickly regained strong possession, sprinting down the pitch, and it was an amazing goal in the 12th minute, bottom left-hand side of the goal.

Australia needed to have quick responses. The ball is flying around the pitch. Unfortunately, Steph Catley went down again. It looks like she may be getting some effects from the fall earlier on in the match. She was unable to stay on the pitch and was subbed off. Both teams seem to have extremely strong possession and defence, a very strong match. The Republic of Korea had a clear open goal during the 21st minute, but it was saved by Australia’s goalkeeper.

Australia had a good opportunity, but Korea was too strong and defended. Australia thought they had won a corner, but it was ruled off. The stadium wasn’t pleased and boos echoed through the stadium. Further into the match, at the 30th minute, the Republic of Korea shot at the goal, but it was saved. Australia took a shot following this, with the crowd lighting up in excitment but it was just wide and the team was awarded a corner just after this.

After the corner, the ball was flying around the box just waiting to be shot in the goal, which finally came in the 21st minute for Australia, shot right in the centre. The crowd went mad from excitement. Just 3 minutes later, Sam Kerr sped down the pitch and tried to take a shot, but it was unfortunately just too much of an angle and was wide. The ball is just flying around the pitch. It’s an amazing open game.

Before the end of the first half, an additional 6 minutes of stoppage time were added on. During the 47th minute, Australia took a shot, but it was just wide once again with a Korean Republic player going down and needing to receive some treatment. With amazing speed and pace in the 50th minute, Australia scored an amazing goal, bottom left of the goal.

The second half took off with the Republic of Korea pressing high from the start, both teams determined to win. The Republic of Korea went for a goal but it was just a tiny bit wide, followed by a possible penalty for a handball which was later confirmed. Off the back of this, Korea scored a goal in the bottom right of the goal, leading the score to a tie of 2–2.

The Republic of Korea didn’t hold back and minutes later scored a perfect goal towards the bottom left side of the goal, taking the lead. Australia tried their hardest but the Korean Republic’s defence seems to be absolutely amazing.

7 minutes of extra time was awarded and Australia did not hold up with shots and saves after each other. Australia scored in the 97th minute, setting up an equaliser. The final whistle was just blown with the final score of 3–3, a draw, an amazing game.

Article written by Nailah Gajia