After taking home fourth place at the Algarve Cup last month, the Matildas are kicking off their campaign to bring home silverware at the 2018 AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
First up, facing South Korea (Korea Republic).
Australia will be entering the tournament as the highest ranked nation, currently sitting at sixth.
Prior to their defeat by Portugal in the bronze medal match of the Algarve Cup, the Matildas held an eight-game undefeated streak.
Since then, Australia has played one game, a friendly against Thailand which settled with a comfortable 5-0 win for the Matildas.
South Korea have gained momentum and experience under the guidance of Coach Deok-yeo Yoon.
They have climbed from 26th to 14th, qualified for the 2015 Women’s World Cup and beat three-time AFC Asian Cup Champions, North Korea.
They have also made the semifinals four times throughout their AFC Women’s Asian Cup history.
LAST TIME THEY MET
Last time Australia and South Korea met was in the 2016 Rio Olympics Qualifier, where Australia took out the final round 2-0.
Prior to this, the Matildas faced off against South Korea in the semi finals of the 2014 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, coming away with the win 2-1.
Katrina Gorry, Elise Kellond-Knight, Kyah Simon and Emily Van Egmond found the back of the net against South Korea when they met in 2016 and 2014 and to the delight of Australian fans, also make up part of the 2018 squad.
Eun Sun Park scored the only goal against the Matildas but will not be making an appearance in this South Korean squad.
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