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.