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AFC Women's Asian Cup
Goals from Alanna Kennedy and Sam Kerr took Australia through and for Montemurro, the win was as much about confidence and momentum as it was about progression in the tournament, which sealed FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027 qualification as well.
#WAC2026 | Quarter-final: Australia 2-1 DPR Korea
“We had to do a job against an excellent team and we move forward,” said Montemurro. “We knew they were a great side – honestly, probably the best team in the tournament.
“They have their reasons for the way they play, it’s very difficult and unpredictable so we had to be methodical. Where we managed to win the game was in the little moments — in how we transitioned when losing or winning the ball and kept our shape.
“Shape and organisation were key. We didn’t create much and had to resist a lot but that’s part of tournament football. When you pick these teams, you have to manage the game a certain way and fortunately for us, we were able to do that.”
“They have their reasons for the way they play, it’s very difficult and unpredictable so we had to be methodical. Where we managed to win the game was in the little moments — in how we transitioned when losing or winning the ball and kept our shape.
“Shape and organisation were key. We didn’t create much and had to resist a lot but that’s part of tournament football. When you pick these teams, you have to manage the game a certain way and fortunately for us, we were able to do that.”
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With Hayley Raso and Steph Catley sitting out through injury, Montemurro stressed on the importance of flexibility to adapt to situations, especially after DPR Korea pulled one back in the second half.
“In tournaments, you just have to take the game forward. We knew they’d have a lot of the ball and that there were areas where they could hurt us. Then the next moment is different. Do I want to play a possession-based game, keep the ball, create opportunities? That’s in my DNA, but part of my job is to win matches. Sometimes that means being flexible and the players understand that.”
“In tournaments, you just have to take the game forward. We knew they’d have a lot of the ball and that there were areas where they could hurt us. Then the next moment is different. Do I want to play a possession-based game, keep the ball, create opportunities? That’s in my DNA, but part of my job is to win matches. Sometimes that means being flexible and the players understand that.”
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The Matildas now advance to a semi-final against either China PR or Chinese Taipei and Montemurro believes it’s not just the result but a renewed sense of belief into the next stage.
“Games like this do something special, they make you believe. I think that’s what this team has needed from day one – to believe they are a world-class side, that they can compete at the top level, and to adapt accordingly.
“Today, I could feel it all day — everything just felt right. Now the players believe they can keep improving, getting better and better and that’s the most important thing for me. Of course, the FIFA World Cup is important, but so is building that belief.”
“Games like this do something special, they make you believe. I think that’s what this team has needed from day one – to believe they are a world-class side, that they can compete at the top level, and to adapt accordingly.
“Today, I could feel it all day — everything just felt right. Now the players believe they can keep improving, getting better and better and that’s the most important thing for me. Of course, the FIFA World Cup is important, but so is building that belief.”
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