Australia reach the Asian Cup final after defeating China | OneFootball

Sam Kerr scored the winner as hosts Australia booked their place in the Asian Cup final.

The Matildas knew they had to put in a better performance against China compared to what they demonstrated against DPR Korea last time out and this was a marked improvement.

Indeed, Australia took the lead in the 17th minute in Perth after early pressure from the visitors. It was a well worked goal too with Mary Fowler squaring the ball for Caitlin Foord to run on to and finish.

However that lead lasted less than 10 minutes when China equalised from the spot. Zhang Linyan latched on to a loose ball and was through on goal against Mackenzie Arnold with the goalkeeper bringing the player down.

After winning the penalty,  Zhang Linyan then dispatched it, sending Arnold the wrong way.

The winning goal came in the 58th minute as Foord slipped a pass through for Sam Kerr. Kerr went around goalkeeper Peng Shimeng and rolled the ball into the net from a tight angle – a fine finish from the Chelsea striker.

Joe Montemurro will be particularly happy with how his team played out the remainder of the game, limited China to few opportunities and sealing their place in the Asian Cup final to face either Japan or South Korea.