AFC Women's Asian Cup
Australia booked their place with a hard-fought 2-1 win over DPR Korea, while China PR needed extra time to see off Chinese Taipei 2-0 in their quarter-final tie.
China PR topped Group B with a perfect record before being pushed to the limit in their quarter-final against Chinese Taipei, showing their ability to grind out results.
Led by head coach Ante Milicic, who is familiar with the Matildas from his time in charge from 2019–2020, China PR gained an interesting tactical edge heading into the semi-final against Australia.
“We are still recovering and doing what we need to do ahead of tomorrow’s game. All I can do is provide the players with information. Like any team, these three Australian players – Sam Kerr, Hayley Raso and Caitlin Foord – can unlock any defence and have been performing at the top level for a long time. Defensively, we have to be very strong,” said Milicic.
“We not only have to contain Australia’s attacking threat, but we have also shown that we can attack. We need to find the right balance. The deeper you go into a tournament, the more challenging it becomes.
“Regarding the Matildas-DPR Korea game, we have analysed it and will do a lot of work on training and video, but our focus remains on ourselves, trusting the girls to execute and put on a strong performance to get the result.
Milicic admitted it would be a unique experience for him.
“I’m honoured to have the opportunity to coach both national teams. I will always follow the Matildas from afar and track the players’ journey. Right now, I’m enjoying my time with China PR, and leading them to the semi-finals is a dream for me and the staff. We’re excited and ready to give it our all.”
#WAC2026 - Preview: Semi-finals
Australia showed tremendous grit to hold off a relentless DPR Korea side, with Alanna Kennedy continuing her incredible scoring run by netting her fifth goal of the tournament.
Head coach Joe Montemurro was pleased with his side's defensive resilience after a shaky second half against the three-time winners and expects another stern test against the Steel Roses.
“The way the last couple of games have gone, we have not always been brave enough to control the ball. My way of thinking is with the ball, so that has been the focus,” said Montemurro.
“We know we’re playing a team that is very well structured and organised, so it’s about us understanding the moments with the ball and making the right decisions. That’s been the message going into this game. I’m looking forward to it because the last two games have been interesting.
“I have the utmost respect for Ante as a head coach. He’s intelligent, experienced at every level and knows tournament football inside out. On the pitch it will be a battle but I also expect a tactical challenge off the pitch and we need to be ready for whatever he throws at us.”
Trivia
● Australia are undefeated across their last 11 meetings with China PR (W7 D4), scoring each of their last eight goals against them in the second halves of games, however, the Matildas have never won against China PR at the AFC Women's Asian Cup (D1 L1) and will meet at the tournament for the first time since a 0-1 group stage loss in 2010.
● Australia are undefeated across their last three semi-final appearances at the AFC Women's Asian Cup, picking up two wins and a win on penalties in that stretch, and have scored exactly two goals in four of their six appearances at this stage of the tournament overall (W3 D1 L2).
● China PR have won nine of their last 10 at the AFC Women's Asian Cup (D1) including their last five in a row; the last time they won more consecutive games at the tournament was a 23-game streak from 1993 to 2001.
● China PR have made 93 passes into the final third per game, the second-most of any team at the tournament behind only Japan (119); however, their 64% accuracy on passing ending in the final third is the lowest rate of any of the four teams competing in the semi-finals of this tournament.
● No player has made more progressive carries at the tournament than Australia duo of Clare Hunt (78) and Winonah Heatley (53); meanwhile, Hunt’s 318 passes are also the second-most of any player at the tournament behind only Korea Republic’s Ko Yoo-jin (350).
● Australia are undefeated across their last 11 meetings with China PR (W7 D4), scoring each of their last eight goals against them in the second halves of games, however, the Matildas have never won against China PR at the AFC Women's Asian Cup (D1 L1) and will meet at the tournament for the first time since a 0-1 group stage loss in 2010.
● Australia are undefeated across their last three semi-final appearances at the AFC Women's Asian Cup, picking up two wins and a win on penalties in that stretch, and have scored exactly two goals in four of their six appearances at this stage of the tournament overall (W3 D1 L2).
● China PR have won nine of their last 10 at the AFC Women's Asian Cup (D1) including their last five in a row; the last time they won more consecutive games at the tournament was a 23-game streak from 1993 to 2001.
● China PR have made 93 passes into the final third per game, the second-most of any team at the tournament behind only Japan (119); however, their 64% accuracy on passing ending in the final third is the lowest rate of any of the four teams competing in the semi-finals of this tournament.
● No player has made more progressive carries at the tournament than Australia duo of Clare Hunt (78) and Winonah Heatley (53); meanwhile, Hunt’s 318 passes are also the second-most of any player at the tournament behind only Korea Republic’s Ko Yoo-jin (350).
China PR v Australia
Venue: Perth Stadium (Perth)
Kick-off: Tuesday, 18:00 (UTC+8)
Venue: Perth Stadium (Perth)
Kick-off: Tuesday, 18:00 (UTC+8)
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