The Matildas have clinched a place in the Asian Cup semi-finals following a challenging 2-1 triumph over North Korea in Perth on Friday evening.

Playing in front of 16,466 spectators at HBF Park during the Women’s Asian Cup quarter-final, Alanna Kennedy opened the scoring in the ninth minute, marking her fifth goal of the tournament. Team captain Sam Kerr extended the lead to 2-0 shortly after halftime, in the 47th minute.

Despite their lead, the World No.9 North Koreans controlled significant portions of the game and narrowed the margin with a goal by Chae Un-Yong in the 65th minute.

Australia faced tense moments as goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold was called into action, making several crucial saves, including an impressive dive to stop a long-range attempt from An Kuk-Hyang.

Nevertheless, the 2010 champions managed to maintain their advantage, paving the way for a semi-final showdown against either China or Taiwan at Optus Stadium on Tuesday. This victory also guarantees Australia a spot in the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.

While North Korea commanded 62 percent of the possession and unleashed 21 shots compared to Australia’s four, it was the Matildas’ key moments of brilliance that ultimately secured their win.

“The most important thing today is the win,” Kerr said.

“I thought it was a really good team performance defensively.

“They’re a good side and they had a lot of the ball, and there was a lot of pressure at the end of both halves.

“But our mindset showed we came out both times and scored early, and that allowed us to go on and defend the game.”

Australia unleashed just one shot in the first half and luckily for the hosts, it was a thing of beauty.

Kerr set up the goal after stripping her opponent of possession near the sideline and firing a cross into the box.

The ball deflected to Kennedy, who calmly took a touch with her right foot before firing in a thunderbolt off her left from the edge of the box to send the crowd into raptures.

The rest of the half belonged to North Korea, whose slick passing and pin-point crosses caused plenty of nervy moments.

Arnold had to dive to her left to save Kim Kyong-yong’s header in the 26th minute, and the veteran goalkeeper was at it again seven minutes later when she blocked Chae Un-yong’s angled strike.

Second half nerves

The most nervous moment came in the final act of half-time when Hong Song OK’s angled strike beat Arnold before hitting the upright and deflecting away.

North Korea enjoyed 58 percent possession in the first half and had fired in seven shots to one, with Australia struggling at times just to get the ball past halfway.

The half-time break did the world of wonders for the Matildas, with Kerr able to give the home side a 2-0 cushion after picking off an errant pass and nailing her left-footed strike from just inside the box.

Chae Un-Yong pulled one back for the visitors, but Mackenzie’s strong work in between the posts ensured Australia held on.

Matildas substitute Clare Wheeler was left with blood streaming from near her right eye when she copped an elbow in the 84th minute, but she was able to play on.

Australia also have fitness concerns over Steph Catley and Hayley Raso after both missed the match with concussion.

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