The Matildas prepare for Quarter Final test with strong Asian Cup ambitions
Australia seek deserved revenge at this year's AFC Women’s Asian Cup after they suffered an early exit back in 2022. A behind closed doors tournament due to Covid 19 saw the Matildas knocked out in the quarter finals by a strong South Korea team who went on to the final.
This year, as the hosts of the tournament, Australia have their eyes set on the trophy. With Captain, Sam Kerr back in the squad following over two years sidelined with injury (ACL), her return is a huge boost for the Matildas and significantly boosts their attacking quality and leadership powers.
The Group Stages
The Matildas have kicked off the tournament in style with a 1-0 win over the Philippines. A classic Kerr header gave the Chelsea Striker her seventieth goal for her country. Chloe Lincoln also got called up to a place in the starting XI, despite being the fourth-choice goalkeeper, as all three Australian keepers were ruled out through injury. Lincoln performed exceptionally well, keeping a clean sheet for the Matildas.
Next up, Australia faced Iran where they asserted their dominance with a 4-0 win. Central defender, Alanna Kennedy found her goalscoring form, netting two goals to cement the Matildas victory in this fixture.
However, Australia showed their flaws in the final group stage clash against South Korea. Despite having kept two clean sheets in two, with a strong centre-back pairing of Clare Hunt and Steph Catley, South Korea shocked the hosts with an early lead in the 13th minute. Kennedy and Kerr added to their goalscoring form once again with two crucial goals to put the team 2-1 up at half time. But the second half saw a comeback from the visitors, who clenched a point in a thrilling 3-3 draw.
Ones to Watch
Ellie Carpenter will be a key player at the Asian Cup, as she is a consistent performer for Australia, as well as in the Barclays Women’s Super League with Chelsea. She has been representing Australia as a right back since 2016, where she was the youngest ever female footballer to compete at the 2016 Rio Olympics in addition to being the youngest Australian athlete at the games. She also had a highly credible career at OL Lyonnes (2020-2025), including winning the Women’s Champions League twice. Now, she continues to showcase her talents in the topflight of English football with Chelsea.
Another defender to look out for is Hunt. At club level, she plays with Tottenham Hotspur in the WSL and has an incredible record, starting every game of the 2025/26 season with the club (except from the clash with the Asian Cup). Despite making her senior Matildas debut later than many, Hunt has established herself as a hard-worker and earned a regular place in Joe Montemurro’s back four.
Mary Fowler is another player to watch. Having recently returned to the squad, following a long period of rehabilitation for an ACL rupture, she brings attacking threat and clinical finishes when called upon. Although still managing her minutes, her pace and linkup play could prove key in Australia’s goalscoring ambitions and success.
Joe Montemurro’s Comments
Australian Head Coach, Montemurro spoke incredibly confidently about his squad in preparation before the competition.
He stated that the team are “looking forward to an amazing tournament” as he sees “lots of pride” within the team. Montemurro’s belief reflects that the hosts are well prepared for the tournament and have a lot to prove since their quarter final exit last time round.
Upcoming Fixtures
Following their unexpected draw with South Korea, this means the Matildas finished as runners up in their group: South Korea finished top with the same points, but a better goal difference by one. Some may say this is a positive, as they will not face favourites, Japan, until the final, should be teams make the last two.
The Aussies prepare for their quarter final clash, where they will face Korea DPR in a challenging contest:
Australia v Korea DPR: Friday 13 March (10:00 BST)
Matilda’s fans will have high expectations of their team as Montemurro’s management has had a recognisable effect on the team’s results. Moreover, the return of superb striker, Kerr will guarantee goals will reach the back of the net as they aim to achieve highly in the Asian Cup.