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AFC Women's Asian Cup
The Matildas got off to a good start in their semi-final against China PR on Tuesday with Caitlin Foord giving them the lead in the 17th minute but were pegged back by Zhang Linyan’s spot-kick in the 26th.
Despite dominating, the 2010 champions failed to create clear openings and needed a special Sam Kerr strike in the 58th minute to cross the finishing line at the Perth Stadium.
Despite dominating, the 2010 champions failed to create clear openings and needed a special Sam Kerr strike in the 58th minute to cross the finishing line at the Perth Stadium.
#WAC2026 | Semi-final: China PR 1-2 Australia
“Our objective to get to the final is complete but deep down, we know we need to be better. We found something (extra) again and got through,” said Montemurro, after watching his side having to dig deep for a third consecutive match.
“It's a bit of momentum and belief (that got Australia through) even though we didn't find the momentum with the ball. It is all about putting everything together. You could feel the belief (in the players) and the wanting to succeed.”
“It's a bit of momentum and belief (that got Australia through) even though we didn't find the momentum with the ball. It is all about putting everything together. You could feel the belief (in the players) and the wanting to succeed.”
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The tactician, however, admitted that his side seemed to lose their drive after Foord’s opener.
“We (initially) got our distances right but after we scored first, we backed off. We allowed the (China PR) midfielders to play higher.
"We went very deep again and it must be in the DNA, must be in the water or something. We need to play higher, we need to be braver. But look, it's tournament football and we got the result we wanted."
“We (initially) got our distances right but after we scored first, we backed off. We allowed the (China PR) midfielders to play higher.
"We went very deep again and it must be in the DNA, must be in the water or something. We need to play higher, we need to be braver. But look, it's tournament football and we got the result we wanted."
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It took a moment of magic from Kerr to get Australia the winner and Montemurro paid tribute to the Matildas’ skipper, who scored her fourth goal of the tournament.
“Sam Kerr’s presence and aura in the squad is immense. She’s got this way about her and she believes in the group and likes playing for her country.
“Top strikers can manage moments in the game and when that moment comes, she takes that chance. Her link up play, attacking the line, we all watch the goals but watch her movement off the ball - that’s the mark of a world class player.”
Set to appear in their fourth final in six editions and aiming to lift the trophy for a second time, Australia will meet either Korea Republic or Japan in Saturday’s final.
“Sam Kerr’s presence and aura in the squad is immense. She’s got this way about her and she believes in the group and likes playing for her country.
“Top strikers can manage moments in the game and when that moment comes, she takes that chance. Her link up play, attacking the line, we all watch the goals but watch her movement off the ball - that’s the mark of a world class player.”
Set to appear in their fourth final in six editions and aiming to lift the trophy for a second time, Australia will meet either Korea Republic or Japan in Saturday’s final.
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