Matilda's Captain on Sunday's big game.

Can the Matildas beat North Korea on Sunday?

Matilda's star Cheryl Salisbury is confident of victory against North Korea on Sunday in Coff's Harbour.

Speaking to Football in the Capital from the Matildas training base in Coffs Harbour, a focused Salisbury said, "Even if we have to defend for 89 minutes and score at the end, that'll be fine. Whatever it takes, this game is not about pretty football. It's about getting a win."


Only a win will do for the Matildas. Having been beaten 2-0 in Korea last week, DPR Korea are now three points ahead with three games to play, Given the strength of the other teams in the group, Hong Kong and Chinese Taipei, Salisbury and the team know they must win.


“The game in Korea was very tough. The crowd was packed in, and then a gate was opened and more people poured in, desperate to watch the game. There were people pushing people out of the way. My thoughts went to European crowd disaster’s, it certainly wasn’t the best way to start a game.”

“Few of the team would have played in front of such a crowd, so that was difficult. Along way from home in a difficult place, without friends and family, it was tough.”

“But I told the girls straight after the game the job is only half done. We have to win at home. We’ll have all our friends, family and supporters. It will be a different game.”

“We are a strong unit defensively, and we have some intelligent players who can cope with anything that is thrown at us. If we can keep a clean sheet, and release our forwards we’ll cause them problems. Sarah (Walsh) and Lisa (De Vanna) caused Korea problems with their pace in the second half last week, but whatever the starting line-up we are determined to get a result.”

How are the team before this vital game?

“The mood of the team is up and down. There are light-hearted moments, the odd joke and but some players are tense. Players react differently under big game pressure.”

Has a lack pressure games in the last few months hindered the Matildas preparations for this game?

“We played China last week and there was a high intensity to that game. We play men and boys teams, but it’s not the same as playing strong international teams where there are points and rankings at stake,” replied Salisbury.

“There is a huge jump for players from the domestic leagues to International football. It’s probably ten times as fast, and it takes time to get used to the pace of the games.”

Will Korea come for the draw?

“They are a proud people and nation. They will want to win and will play to win, but they may not be as enthusiastic without their huge home support.”

What do the Matildas need to do to improve on last weeks performance?”

“We need to improve as a unit, we need to win our one-on-one battles all over the field. We must get to the first and second ball and compete. If we can do that, we can improve our possession by 80% from last week and that will give us more opportunities.”

Predictions Cheryl?

“I think 1-0 to the Matildas.”

Can we expect a winning Cheryl Salisbury goal, maybe a header at the nearpost?

“I’d love that. I’ll be doing my best to get the ball over the line.”

The Matildas game against DPR Korea is live on SBS at 3pm.


Football in the Capital will have a full match report after the game