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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Sport
Samantha Lewis at HBF Park

Matildas survive North Korea scare to book spot in Women’s Asian Cup semi-final

Sam Kerr celebrates after scoring
Sam Kerr celebrates after scoring the Matildas second goal. Australia defeated North Korea and will face either China or Taiwan in the semi-final. Photograph: Richard Wainwright/EPA

The Matildas have avoided an early exit from their home Women’s Asian Cup and qualified for their ninth straight Women’s World Cup after a nervous 2-1 win over North Korea at Perth Rectangular Stadium on Friday night.

An early goal to midfielder Alanna Kennedy was doubled by a Sam Kerr screamer early in the second half, though a relentless North Korea side – who clawed a goal back in the 64th minute and registered almost five times as many shots over the course of the game – did not make it easy.

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