The Matildas will be looking to go three from three in their quest for Olympic qualification as they take on Korea Republic tonight at Nagai Stadium. Join The Roar for all the action and highlights from 9:35pm (AEDT).
Australia are sitting pretty on top of the Asian conference table, two points ahead of China PR who were dealt a surprising 1-1 draw with Korea Republic on Wednesday. Coming off the back of a dominant nine-goal rout of Vietnam, the Matildas are in prime position to take the leading qualifying spot with three games to play.
Korea Republic find themselves sitting precariously in 4th spot on the edge of qualification, needing to win their next two games against Australia and China PR to get into the top two.
Following coach Alen Stajcic’s pattern for the tournament, there will be more changes made for tonight’s game as Stajcic tries to keep his players fresh, this being the team’s third game in five days.
Lisa De Vanna, Katrina Gorry, Michelle Heyman and Lydia Williams are all expected to make their returns to the Matildas squad, however, their replacements and run on side isn’t expected to be announced until right before game time.
These two sides historically have had some tight contests with just one goal separating the two teams in their last three fixtures. However, the Matildas have come out on top in ten of the 15 match-ups, with Korea Republic just struggling to put the nail in the coffin and finish the match.
Prediction
The Aussies have one foot in the qualifying door and despite needing really only a couple of draws in the last few games, I can’t see Stajcic letting his foot off the gas and allowing the girls to let up. Korea Republic on the other hand are in desperate need of three points here and have already shown incredible fight throughout these qualifiers. Don’t be too surprised if the Australian’s are upset tonight.
Australia – 2
Korea Republic – 2
Join The Roar for all the action and highlights from 9:35pm (AEDT).
adam
Guest
International football should be a show case of skill and fair play ( we all know" fair" is a loose term ) not a game of blatant shirt pulling , obstruction & crude tackles . How goes this encourage girls to play the game ? Embarrassing ? for a Ref. at this level to not get the basic rules , I say Yes .
hogdriller
Roar Rookie
"I've never seen such a disgusting display of so called international football- pure filth from both sides". "What an embarrassment for football". What was the "pure filth" ? What was the "embarrassment" for football ?
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
Thanks for making the call, Connor. I missed the game but have enjoyed reading through the blow by blow account on The Roar.
JR Salazar
Guest
That's how you celebrate 50 caps. Well-taken.
JR Salazar
Guest
Kyah Simon, batting cleanup.
JR Salazar
Guest
She's from Mexico, what did you expect?
adam
Guest
I've never seen such a disgusting display of so called international football - pure filth from both sides . This ref. needs to learn the rules of the game - give out yellow cards and control the game ! Some red cards were due by the end of the game. What an embarrassment for football !
Connor Bennett
Editor
They're in such sublime form it's hard to see them even dropping a game throughout the final round of qualifying. I dropped out a few times unfortunately but it's always a pleasure to bring the game into people's lounge rooms, especially when something like this doesn't get a lot of coverage across most sports sites. It's certainly great for the women's game that 7mate are televising.
jupiter53
Roar Pro
Man these women are good. Still more work to do on making that extra cool pass that kills the defence, rather than a hit and hope shot, but what an intense performance. Thanks for the call. They are always appreciated, in particular for those occasions where I have no other access to news on games.
Connor Bennett
Editor
FULLTIME Australia have extended their lead over second place with a tight 2-0 victory over Korea Republic. Two early goals inside fifteen minutes had all the makings for another blow-out from the Matildas but Korea Republic fought back strong and were extremely unlucky not to net one of their own Australia - 2 Korea Republic - 0
Connor Bennett
Editor
90' +4 minutes of stoppage time Australia - 2 Korea Republic - 0
Connor Bennett
Editor
89' Korea Republic are scrambling to find something late here but Australia have gone into park the bus mode in defence Australia - 2 Korea Republic - 0
Connor Bennett
Editor
86' SUBSTITUTION Sykes comes on to the pitch for Kya Simon Australia - 2 Korea Republic - 0
Connor Bennett
Editor
85' Korea Republic in prime position for a free kick just on the edge of the box. Looks like So-yun will be taking it. She opts for the cross instead of the shot and miss times it wide of the goals and Australia get a lucky break there Australia - 2 Korea Republic - 0
Connor Bennett
Editor
83' Australia with their sixth corner of the match. Curled in off the left foot and Foord leaps for it but it beaten in height and Korea Republic get the clearance Australia - 2 Korea Republic - 0
Connor Bennett
Editor
81' Corner for the Matildas but a short hit and a counter attack see Lee-min making solid progress down the left hand touchline Australia - 2 Korea Republic - 0
Connor Bennett
Editor
80' Geum-min nearly sinks her sides first goal!! Put in perfect position just left of the goals, she makes room on her left with just the keeper in front of her at a tight angle and hammers the shot but it's jabbed over the top of the cross bar by Williams Australia - 2 Korea Republic - 0
Connor Bennett
Editor
76' Seol-bin makes a run down the left hand side but is met by three defenders but can't quite beat them all and Australia pounce on the counter attack Australia - 2 Korea Republic - 0
Connor Bennett
Editor
74' SUBSTITUTION Heyman comes on for Van Egmond. Sorry again for the delays in updates but the Matildas are still holding strong against a constant Korean Republic barrage Australia - 2 Korea Republic - 0
Connor Bennett
Editor
63' Another free kick just outside the box for the Matildas but thy fail to find the mark and an unmarked Korean player gets her head to the ball in clearance Australia - 2 Korea Republic - 0