The Matildas are going to Rio following a punishing 2-1 victory against North Korea.

In a match touted as Australia's chance to cement a place at the Rio Olympics, expectations were high.

North Korea had even more was riding on this match, needing a win to keep their dream alive following China's win over South Korea earlier in the day.

The first 10 minutes of the game were characterised by a plethora of attacking, fast football with Australia looking perhaps nervous under the pressure of DPR Korea's high press football.

Matildas custodian Lydia Williams displayed her immense value 10 minutes into the first half, saving a rocket one touch shot from Kim Yun Mi.

That was followed shortly afterwards by a heavy clash in the box with Kim Un Ha, Clare Polkinghorne and Laura Alleway colliding, leaving Un Ha and Polkinghorne requiring treatment and heavy bandaging on their heads.

A superb cut back from Caitlin Foord on the goal line in the 18th minute wrong footed Katrina Gorry and eluded the North Korean defenders before Michelle Heyman's perfectly measured shot on goal found it's mark, giving the Matildas the all important lead.

https://twitter.com/TheWomensGame/status/706800033094471680

With the referee reluctant to blow the whistle and control the match, play became dangerous and the yellow cards finally flew.

Kim Nam Hui was the first to receive one with Logarzo's remonstration earning her one immediately after.

Heading into the half time break, North Korea managed plenty of possession but were unable to finish in their final third whilst Australia kept their composure and structure.

The second half saw Australia a bit more settled, whilst North Korea frantically created more chances to equalise but Williams proved impenetrable, dominating in goal.

https://twitter.com/TheWomensGame/status/706811387066986497

With plenty of entertaining end to end football showcasing the excellent fitness of both teams, North Korea eventually levelled via a stunning equaliser from Kim Su Gyong in the 78th minute.

The match looked to be heading to a 1-1 draw before Katrina Gorry cracked onto a clever lay off from Foord, smacking the ball into the back of the net, giving the Matildas the win and a chance to continue the dream.

https://twitter.com/TheWomensGame/status/706818581338542082

They're going to Rio!

Match Details

DPR Korea 1  (Kim Su Gyong 78’)

Australia 2    (Heyman 18’, Gorry 84’)

Crowd: 900 @ Yanmar Stadium Nagai, Osaka

Referee: Anna-Marie Keighley (New Zealand)

Australia line-up: 1.Lydia WILLIAMS (gk), 4.Clare POLKINGHORNE (c), 5.Laura ALLEWAY, 6.Chloe LOGARZO (11.Lisa DE VANNA 57’), 7.Steph CATLEY, 8.Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT, 9.Caitlin FOORD (2.Ashleigh SYKES 89’), 10.Emily VAN EGMOND, 14.Alanna KENNEDY, 16.Michelle HEYMAN (17.Kyah SIMON 71’), 19.Katrina GORRY

Substitutes not used: 3.Caitlin COOPER, 12.Casey DUMONT (gk), 13.Tameka BUTT, 15.Emily GIELNIK, 18.Mackenzie ARNOLD (gk), 20.Ellie CARPENTER

Yellow cards: Logarzo 22’, van Egmond 35’

Red cards: Nil

DPR Korea line-up: 1.Hong Myong Hui (gk), 2.Ri Hui Jong, 6.Kim Un Hyang, 7.Kim Su Gyong, 8.Kim Un Ju, 10.Ra Un Sim (c), 11.Ri Ye Gyong (20.Ri Hyang Sim 74’), 12.Kim Yun Mi (19.Ri Kyong Hyang 89’), 13.Wi Jong Sim, 15.Kim Nam Hui, 16.Kim Un Ha

Substitutes not used: 3.Pak Sin Jong, 4.Ha Kyong, 5.Ri Un Yong, 9.Jo Ryon Hwa, 14.Ju Hyo Sim, 17.Rim Yong Hwa (gk), 18.Ra Sol Ju (gk)

Yellow cards: Kim Nam Hui 22’, Ra Un Sim 33’

Red cards: Nil