AFC Women's Asian Cup
Australia, winners of the 2010 edition, are determined to go all the way after exiting in the quarter-finals in 2022, while three-time winners DPR Korea are vying to lift the trophy for the first time since 2008.
Also at stake is automatic qualification for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2027, adding spice to the tie.
Head coach Joe Montemurro believes the 3-3 draw with Korea Republic in their final Group A tie was just what his side needed ahead of the knockout stage.
“The Korea Republic game was the perfect preparation. We hadn’t faced that sort of challenge before in a while, so it was an ideal precursor for what’s coming next,” said Montemurro. “DPR Korea’s match against China PR also gave us a glimpse and helped shape our preparation.
“Our focus has been on our strengths and what we do best. We truly believe that if we play our game well, we will be fine.
“It's always a tough challenge and preparing for every match has been intense and demanding at times, but the players have given everything, both on and off the pitch."
Steph Catley and Haley Raso have been ruled out through injury but Montemurro is confident of the depth in his squad.
“They (Catley and Raso) have been recovering well but they won't be included in the squad against DPR Korea. We’ve focused on just a couple of areas where we believe we can address some weaknesses. There are no big changes. We have enough depth in our squad and we trust the players coming in to make a difference.”
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DPR Korea have impressed with clinical attacking play, raking in nine goals and conceding just twice, with their only setback a 2-1 defeat to China PR on Matchday Three.
The mix of technical skill and physicality makes them formidable opponents and head coach Ri Song Ho is confident of his squad’s readiness.
"The team will be facing a powerful side but I’m confident we will overcome all the challenges both mentally and physically,” said Ri. “I think the most important thing for our team is to prepare mentally, so we can achieve success.
"Since I became head coach, the focus has always been on fitness. It doesn’t matter whether it’s men’s or women’s football. I stress the importance of developing endurance.
“From the very first day of organising our team to today, I have prioritised physical fitness for all our players. With that mentality, our team is prepared as a unit."
Trivia
● Australia and DPR Korea will meet in a women’s international for the first time since March 2016, and while Australia have won their last two meetings in a row, they’ve won only four of their 15 completed women’s internationals against DPR Korea (D5 L6) and have never defeated them in regulation time at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup (D2 L1; having won 5-4 on penalties in the 2010 final).
● Australia have not won a knockout match at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in regular time since a 2-1 win against Korea Republic at the 2014 semi-finals, picking up three losses and a win on penalties against Thailand since then, while DPR Korea have won nine of their last 11 knockout games, with only one of their two defeats in that span coming in regular time.
● DPR Korea will be aiming to avoid back-to-back losses at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup for the first time since the first game of their 1997 campaign, after losing 2-1 to China PR in their last fixture; in fact, they’ve scored at least one goal in each of their last 14 games at the tournament.
● Alanna Kennedy (Australia) has scored two goals in each of her last two women’s internationals and will be looking to become the first Matildas player to score multiple goals in three consecutive games since Sam Kerr did so from September to November 2017.
Australia v DPR Korea
Venue: Perth Rectangular Stadium (Perth)
Kick-off: Friday, 18:00 (UTC+8)
Venue: Perth Rectangular Stadium (Perth)
Kick-off: Friday, 18:00 (UTC+8)
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