PERTH: Australia progressed to the semi-finals of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ with a hard fought 2-1 win against DPR Korea at the Perth Rectangular Stadium on Friday.
Sam Kerr played a starring role, scoring one and making the other for Alanna Kennedy as Australia – who fell in the quarter-finals four years ago – advanced to a last four meeting with either defending champions China PR or Chinese Taipei. The win also secured their ticket to the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027.
While DPR Korea’s title dream was dashed, they can walk tall after a spirited performance and will now set their sights on the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027 playoff against either China PR or Chinese Taipei on Thursday.
Australia, winners of the 2010 edition, made two changes from the side that drew 3-3 with Korea Republic while three-time champions DPR Korea swapped Hwang Yu Yong for Song Chun Sim from the 11 that had started in the 2-1 defeat to China PR.
Both teams opted for a high-press but it was the East Asian side who gave the hosts a scare in the fifth minute when Kyong Yong found Ri Hye Gyong inside a packed box, only for the defender to send her header wide. (AFC)
