Australia are still in caretaker mode as they await a full-time coach but there were signs of progress at Newcastle on their path towards Asian Cup qualification.
Foord was instrumental in leading her team to victory, with her quickness from deep and creative vision being key factors.
In this article, we will discuss the main points or high lights of Australia National Football Team vs South Korea National Football Team Lineups.
South Korea – Top Performers
| Player | Position | Key Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Son Heung-min | Forward | Won a penalty in stoppage time and scored the winning goal with a free-kick in extra time. |
| Hwang Hee-chan | Forward | Converted the penalty in the 96th minute to level the score. |
| Seol Young-woo | Defender | Covered 15.54 km during the match, showcasing exceptional work rate. |
Australia – Top Performers
| Player | Position | Key Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Craig Goodwin | Forward | Scored the opening goal with a volley in the 42nd minute. |
| Mathew Ryan | Goalkeeper | Made several crucial saves, including a double save in extra time. |
| Harry Souttar | Defender | Delivered a strong defensive performance, particularly in the second half. |
Australia 1-0 Korea Republic
In Newcastle’s final international friendly season match of 2018, Australia was made to work hard for victory against a determined Korea Republic side. Although both teams created many chances, including an own goal from Lim Seonjoo defender Lim Seonjoo. Unfortunately for Korea Republic they were unable to breach Australia’s strong defence led by captain Clare Wheeler and goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold; with Emily Van Egmond, Caitlin Foord and Holly McNamara particularly outstanding on attack for Australia. The match finished 1-1 as both teams had equal chances on either side with Emily Van Egmond making her mark.
First half was an uneventful affair between both teams as neither managed to create any clear cut chances. Australia appeared more likely to break open the game though; one such move down the left with Foord and Mooy nearly led to Rogic hitting his target but ultimately it went nowhere.
Free-kicks at both ends caused some uncertainty for Australia, but none really translated to anything tangible. Leckie nearly managed to break through Korea’s defence but they defended firmly enough.
Just after half-time, a free-kick on the right found Shin Nae-yeong at the back post; she could only direct it tamely wide of the bottom corner. As time wore on, Heyman became more dangerous for Australia but her shot went harmlessly over the bar.
Following the break, both Mooy and Foord came close with shots from outside of the box, with Foord having an opportunity to extend Australia’s lead when she latched onto a Nevin ball but instead shot directly at Kim.
Ryan pulled off an incredible save to deny Ju Se-jong’s free kick in the 71st minute to maintain parity before the hosts set upon Korean goal with their attacks, only for block tackles to stop several attacking players before Luongo made one last-ditch effort to push it over with one final kick of the match.
Australia won their eighth game, becoming one of two sides tied on seven points behind England heading into Lebanon World Cup qualifying matchup in January. Additionally, this result ensures Korea will finish third with four points.
Australia 2-0 Korea Republic
On Sunday evening at Allianz Stadium in Sydney, the Matildas finally snapped their three-game losing streak with a convincing 1-0 win against Korea Republic. Although not perfect, the victory will no doubt provide interim coach Tom Sermanni with much needed confidence boost ahead of next year’s Asian Cup being hosted on home soil.
Emily van Egmond made an early impact as Australia nearly took the lead within minutes, almost beating Korean defense with an inch-perfect cross which almost found the goal. Holly McNamara and Foord also proved influential early on, particularly McNamara who made her mark by dropping an exquisite pass to Foord who then caught Korea out with another pinpoint pass just inches away from scoring.
Korea rarely threatened Australia’s defence but Liverpool goalkeeper Teagan Micah (subbing for Mackenzie Arnold who was injured) kept a clean sheet for their visitors with several outstanding saves – most importantly in the 86th minute when she dived low to her right to prevent an equaliser that was heading straight for the bottom corner.
Even in defeat, the Matildas displayed energy and an aggressive nature which has been lacking from recent matches. Sermanni will surely take pleasure from seeing his squad perform well without some key members who might otherwise have contributed as this will only reinforce his trust in his squad.
Sam Kerr received an enthusiastic reception as she returned from her year-long back injury layoff and impressive career on the sidelines. She was named Matildas best player despite an uneven start and was welcomed back with cheers of approval every time she touched the ball, reflecting how Sydney-based star will return for this summer’s World Cup on her home ground; going in as top goal scorer again (having scored 13 goals from seven appearances thus far this tournament), making history by becoming first player ever to accomplish such feat. Friday will provide another chance for her when her team face South Korea; fans will surely welcome back the famous star to return when Sydney-based star Sam Kerr has returned after being sidelined due to back problems caused by injuries sustained whilst away due to back pain relief medication allowing her return and can add even more goals this time when Australia takes on South Korea!
Australia 3-0 Korea Republic
While Australia have had to contend with numerous injuries over recent weeks, Tom Sermanni’s side were a class above South Korea. Caitlin Foord led from the front, playing against two Korean defenders before sending in a cross which Lim Seonjoo turned into his own goal for an own goal and Kaitlin Torpey floated in another cross which deflected off of Shin Na-yeong into Australia’s goal for another own goal – all thanks to Caitlin Foord!
Korean resistance proved futile in the second half, however. Liverpool goalkeeper Teagan Micah made an outstanding save to thwart Choi Hee-joon’s low shot that was heading for her bottom corner – giving the Matildas the advantage as they quickly ramped up the pressure with all second half subs taking control of possession and demanding possession.
Foord displays dangerous moves as she bursts through the middle and attempts to turn and shoot from an angle, but her attempt is blocked for a corner.
64 Mins: The Matildas have another chance to strike as an exchange between Foord and Emily Van Egmond creates space on the left flank for Birmingham attacker Alyson Foord to deliver her darting cross, but her attempt failed to connect with any teammates.
65 Mins: As the half draws to an end, Australia continue to hold possession but cannot convert this advantage into goals. Van Egmond goes close again with a left-footed shot which is deflected wide by the defence.
The game was an evenly-contested affair, with both teams expending energy, but ultimately it was controlled by the Matildas with their high energy. There was one momentary scare late when Shin’s shot appeared to have given them the lead but was later disallowed for offside.
Australian Women’s National Football Team is an integral component of national sporting identity and one of the world’s premier national teams. Representing some of Australia’s finest talent, this national squad ranks as one of the highest regarded squads around.
Australia 4-0 Korea Republic
After two emphatic victories against Kuwait and Oman in their final two World Cup qualifiers, Australia returned to playing their trademark style of football. The CommBank Matildas took an early lead through an own goal by Lim Seon-joo, adding another goal by Caitlin Foord before sealing their fifth win consecutive with one from Alanna Kennedy in the closing minutes – leaving them two points behind South Korea and Uzbekistan who both still have two matches remaining in Group B.
The match began as an aggressive physical contest with both teams eager to create early opportunities. Son Heung-min caused problems for Australia’s defense with early volleys being wide and goalbound efforts being blocked off. Still, Kyra Cooney-Cross made a strong run down the right that seemed likely to lead to a shot – however this run was curtailed due to an unexpected challenge by a heavy tackler.
Emily Van Egmond then made a breakaway down the left wing and delivered a cross that appeared destined for Caitlin Foord to turn in; however, the goalkeeper managed to claw it away and save.
Teagan Micah was rarely threatened at the other end, although she failed to hold onto Shin Na-yeong’s header and had to save Ko Yoo-jin’s strike which appeared to score but was offside.
Late on, Shin nearly equalised with a header that crossed over the line but it was disallowed due to offside rules. At that moment, Australia introduced Clare Hunt and Kaitlyn Torpey from their bench in preparation for one last push towards victory.
No chances were created by either team in the final moments, with the CommBank Matildas taking an easy victory to put them in contention for a top two finish at next month’s World Cup in Sweden from June 14 – July 31.
