Matildas Beat South Korea 1-0 in Asian Cup Prep

The Matildas secured a crucial 1-0 victory over South Korea at Allianz Stadium in Sydney, marking their first win of the year and a positive start to their preparations for the 2026 Asian Cup. An own goal by South Korean defender Lim Seon-joo in the 54th minute sealed the match, following a challenging campaign at the SheBelieves Cup where Australia failed to earn a single point. Despite missing several key players, including captain Sam Kerr and goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold, the team showcased youthful talent with promising performances from players like Holly McNamara and Kyra Cooney-Cross. The victory also serves as a morale booster after the Matildas' disappointing exit in the Asian Cup quarter-finals in 2022. Amidst the win, Australia remains cautious, acknowledging the need for improvement as they head into upcoming competitive matches. Coach Tom Sermanni emphasized the importance of testing their depth against formidable opponents as they build towards the Asian Cup.