Both teams come into this game having won their respective matches on Thursday at Leichhardt Oval – the Matildas with a reassuring 2-0 win over the Football Ferns, while a resounding attacking performance from the Korea Republic saw them thump Argentina 5-0.

The last time these two sides met was during the first group match at the 2018 AFC Asian Cup, where the defensively-sound Korea Republic held Australia to a frustrating 0-0 draw.

There are just slight personnel changes to the squads this time around – The Matildas missing Chloe Logarzo, Katrina Gorry and Kyah Simon in midfield, meanwhile a key defender in Kim Do-yeon and goalkeeper Yoon Young-geul are not in the Korea Republic team.

This heavyweight clash between FIFA ranked sixth and 14th will potentially be the decider of the Cup of Nations title, with the Korea Republic currently on top of the table and Australia trail behind by three-goal difference.

Key players

Australia: Clare Polkinghorne (Defender)

Taken by Stephanie Meek (@stephaniemeekphotography)

After the two sides last meeting at the Asian Cup and their recent result against New Zealand, it is clear the defence will be important in this matchup. It is unclear what Ante Milicic has planned against the Korea Republic.

The high pressing against New Zealand catch Australia out at times but it did become more streamlined in the second half and compacted the Kiwi attack.

Either way, the central defensive pairing will play a massive role with Clare Polkinghorne likely leading the way. While the Korea Republic is a defensive minded side, they know the right moments to counter-attack and break a team open. This is where the 29-year-old is able to without hesitation to cover players who get caught out by this tactic.

While she no longer wears the captains' armband, Polkinghorne leads the defence by her actions, passion and experience. 

Korea Republic: Cho So-hyun (Defender)

A versatile player who can be deployed in either midfield or defence, Cho So-hyun was one of the stand-out players in the group match during the Asian Cup, working across the park to nullify Australia’s play.

As the most capped (116) South Korean player and a recent signing to the English club West Ham United in the WSL, she has plenty of experience under her belt and her teammates will be looking to her for guidance and support.

While Cho did not play a part in the 5-0 drubbing of Argentina on Thursday night, she is certain to be suiting up for clash against Australia as her experience will be called into action.