Personal goal gives Matildas 1-0 win over South Korea

It was a pleasure to have your company tonight for the Matildas’ first win of the year.

Go well and we’ll see you Monday to do this all again – except in Newcastle.

Interim Matildas coach Tom Sermanni has praised Holly McNamara’s performance in that win.

“I thought she did really well. It’s a challenge when you play A-League women then come out at this level,” he said.

“She’s a real threat, a real handful, it’s great to have that old fashioned centre-forward that keeps making runs in behind.”

He’s also pleased with the result.

“Critical to win, and to win in a clean sheet makes it even better.

Our attitude from the start was very good.

We talked about trying to get some momentum back… that changes the mood, that changes the confidence.”

Matildas goalkeeper Teagan Micah says it’s an important win for the team, particularly in the wake of the winless SheBelieves Cup campaign.

“We just really needed that as a team.

That’s a big relief performance from us.

(SheBelieves Cup) was a hard tournament for us, we didn’t accept that as a playing group, we said let’s turn things around.”

Cailtin Foord stressed how unhappy the side were with their SheBelieves performance and how much they needed this win.

“We really, wanted to make a statement. Obviously with the Asian Cup coming up as well,” she told 10.

“They’ll be one of our opponents. So, it was really important to get the win.”

On her nose, she said it’s ‘definitely broken’ but thinks she’ll avoid surgery.

Of course, the injury was projected on the big screen multiple times for everyone to see.

“I was pretty embarrassed, to be honest, but I’m just happy it’s not out of line”.

Teagan Micah can take a bow after that effort. She wasn’t monstrously busy but had a few very important saves.

Importantly, that helped the Matildas keep a clean sheet.

It comes after Australia’s defence has been a touch (to be kind) leaky of late. Hopefully that’ll help with some confidence with it comes to the Matildas defending.

Clare Wheeler is speaking to ABC Sport’s Pokuah Frimpong.

“It’s a very important win, great to see 37,000 people support us.

Given the current run of form we really wanted to win this game, and got the job done.”

ABC Sport expert commentator Alicia Ferguson says the Matildas will be pleased with that result.

“This is exactly what the Matildas needed, coming back on home soil, in front of a great crowd,” she said.

“Solid performance, some good integration. Something to build on, going into the second game in Newcastle.”

And there it is. The Matildas first win of 2025.

It came from a well-rounded performance from a side missing many of its stars.

The game ebbed and flowed but it’s Australia back on the winner’s list.

The only goal attributed to an own goal but Emily van Egmond with the cross played a very big part in it.

AUS 1-0 KOR, FT

Five minutes of extra time will be added on.

AUS 1-0 KOR, after 90 minutes

All of the second half subs are seemingly paying off for the Matildas as the tempo has increased in this game as it nears its end.

Australia are attacking hard and have had a few good chances this half.

Those that have entered the field, including Clare Wheeler and Mary Fowler, have been demanding the ball and playing with a lot of confidence.

AUS 1-0 KOR, after 89 minutes

South Korea are desperately searching for a goal to even the score.

These final moments have increased in intensity. They are pressing high as they search for a goal.

Meanwhile, Clare Hunt has come on with Emily van Egmond off.

 AUS 1-0 KOR, after 88 minutes

Teagan Micah at full stretch saved a very tricky ball. Then backed it up by grabbing it from under the cross bar as it came in again from a corner.

It’s getting tense.

AUS 1-0 KOR, after 86 minutes

Every time Fowler touches the ball, it’s on!

It was Kyra Cooney-Cross with the cross and Michelle Heyman with the header – but it was cleared.

A few moments later, Kaitlyn Torpey had a shot in, but again blocked.

Then, Mary Fowler had a shot deflected. This is some aggressive play from Australia.

AUS 1-0 KOR, after 83 minutes

While we wait for the second, here’s the vision of the first goal:

Off the boot, that looked in.

Mary Fowler’s shot was just millimetres from the far post. Agonisingly close.

The assist from Michelle Heyman, who had a great run.

AUS 1-0 KOR, after 79 minutes

The official crowd number just came through: 37,129.

The capacity for Sydney Football Stadium is around 42,500.

This is some second half from  Kyra Cooney-Cross.

On transition, Cooney-Cross charged down the field. However, she was unable to capitalise as she launched the ball from distance. It never looked close to finding the net.

But the Arsenal player has made a few good runs this half.

AUS 1-0 KOR, after 74 minutes

 Steph Catley defended a dangerous ball after South Korean star Ji Soyun streamed towards goal. She made a challenge, which ended with the ball cleared.

AUS 1-0 KOR, after 73 minutes

 Wow, that cheer was deafening. Popular faces Michelle Heyman and Mary Fowler have come on, with Caitlin Foord and Tameka Yallop taking a seat on the bench.

AUS 1-0 KOR, after 72 minutes