Australia NewsMatildas Dream Is Over... |
THE Matildas' Asian Cup dream is over after they were crushed 3-0 in the semi-final against Asia's top ranked nation North Korea tonight.
Australia will now compete for third place on Sunday (7pm AET) where they will meet the loser of the second semi final to be played later this evening between Japan and China.
"I am quite pleased with reaching the semi finals which was our initial goal, and also pleased with what we achieved given the amount of upheaval within the team compared to last year's World Cup squad," said Matildas coach Tom Sermanni.
"We saw with our opponents today the level that we aspire to reach as we continue through our rebuilding phase towards the next World Cup."
Reigning Women's Asian Player of the Year Ri Kum Suk scored a stunning 60-minute hat trick as the Koreans inflicted further pain after eliminating the Matildas last year at the final stage of qualifying for the Beijing Olympics.
Temperatures hovered around 35 degrees for the afternoon kick-off with Australia caught cold by a goal after just two minutes from captain Kum Suk who then found the net again four minutes prior to the half time break.
"It was disappointing that we were outplayed in this match but DPR Korea were better than us in every aspect of the game and were thoroughly deserved winners," said Sermanni.
The Matildas were runners-up two years ago losing the final against China on penalties in Adelaide.
Match Details:-
Australia 0
DPR Korea (Ri Kum Suk, 2', 41', 60')
Australian line-up:Lydia Williams (gk); Di Alagich, Kate McShea, Clare Polkinghorne, Ellyse Perry, Lauren Colthorpe, Amber Neilson (Collette McCallum 59'), Heather Garriock, Amy Chapman (Tameka Butt 74'), Lisa De Vanna, Caitlin Munoz (Jenna Tristram 60')
Cautions: De Vanna 51',
Referee: Pannipar Kamnueng (Thailand)
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