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Thursday 5 June 2008

Final Score Matildas 0 North Korea 3

Australia's Asian Cup dream came to an end in Vietnam tonight. As expected Cup Favourites North Korea were the victors. The North Koreans are proving to be the best team in the tournament by some way.

Korea got off to a flyer with a goal from Ri Kum Suk in the 3rd minute, before the same player increased their lead just before half-time.

The third and final goal came in the 61st minute.

The Matildas continued their good run in major tournaments reaching the final four of the Asian Cup. The result against Japan in the group phase was perhaps the crucial one. The defeat in that game meant the Aussies had to play North Korea, rather than a China team they have beaten in recent years.

A number of new young players have gained valuable experience, including Amy Chapman, Lydia Williams, Ellyse Perry and Kyah Simon.

The team now regroup for Saturday's 3/4th place play-off against the losers of the China Japan semi to be played later tonight.

And then on Tuesday the squad head to Korea Republic for the Peace Cup. Where group games against Brazil, Italy and USA await!

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Great experience. Word is the NK's never make a mistake so we spent a lot of time just trying to get possession. They are the bench mark and far better than USA or Canada. Good on them

Matildas were not disgraced and will have learnt a lot.

Anonymous said...

Simon did not play.

Eamonn said...

Simon did not play...I meant in the tournament rather than this game

Anonymous said...

Matildas to play Japan again tomorrow.

Anonymous said...

Just saw the highlights, or maybe that should be lowlights on SBS. The Matildas were outclassed, barely a shot on goal.

And Lydia Williams didn't have her best game ever - she seemed to be out of position/slow to reacte for the first goal, possibly could have intercepted the cross leading to the second goal.