Sam Kerr scores winner as Australia beat China to reach Asian Cup final
Captain Sam Kerr scored a decisive late winner as Australia defeated China 2-1 in Sydney to secure their place in the Women’s Asian Cup final.
The Chelsea striker fired home from a tight angle in front of a passionate 35,170 crowd to seal victory for her nation.
Caitlin Foord had earlier put the hosts ahead with a powerful first-time strike, before Zhang Linyan levelled the tie from the penalty spot.
A historic quest for the Matildas
The host nation will now face either tournament favourites Japan or South Korea in Saturday’s showpiece event as they target a second continental crown.
Kerr remains the sole surviving member of the squad that famously lifted the trophy in 2010.
The 32-year-old was just a teenager when she scored her second international goal in that historic final triumph over North Korea.
“I can’t really gather my emotions right now. We’ve taken the long road to be here and it just feels so good to be in the final.”
Sam Kerr
“These girls are like family to me so it would be a dream come true to win it.”
Premier League pedigree shines through
Australia showcased their top-flight European quality during a dominant opening spell.
A sweeping passing move involving Ellie Carpenter and Mary Fowler allowed the Manchester City forward to perfectly set up Foord for the opening goal.
Despite the positive result, Matildas head coach Joe Montemurro demanded a higher standard from his players.
“The second half was better, but the first half was disappointing. We scored a very good goal and I thought we were starting to find our rhythm, and then we just backed off.”
Joe Montemurro
“We just need to play higher, we need to be braver – but we got the result we wanted.”
Double joy following World Cup qualification
This hard-fought semi-final victory caps a momentous week for the Australian side.
The Matildas had already made history days earlier by becoming the first country to qualify for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Their continued success in the Asian Cup does create logistical headaches for several major English clubs.
Exactly half of the 26-player national squad currently ply their trade in the Women’s Super League.
Crucial upcoming domestic fixtures, including a high-stakes Champions League quarter-final between Arsenal and Chelsea, could now be severely impacted by player availability and travel fatigue.
