Kennedy brace helps Australia to 4-0 win over Iran

Iran 0-4 Australia

By Kieran Yap 5/3/25

Above: Alanna Kennedy (left) and Holly McNamara Photo: Football Australia

The Matildas have comfortably beaten Iran on The Gold Coast. Goals to Amy Sayer, Mary Fowler and a brace to Alanna Kennedy improved Australia’s goal difference and gave them a second win in Group A.

Joe Montemurro made several changes to the starting lineup for The Matildas second game of the tournament. Sayer, Fowler and Kennedy were joined by Courtney Nevin and Charlize Rule, with the Brighton defender partnering Clare Hunt in the heart of defence and Nevin taking her place out on the left.

Fowler looked to be in a free- attacking role, while Sayer was positioned wide on the right, and was the source of the opening goal.

Ellie Carpenter surged forward in familiar fashion and played the ball out to to the flank. Sayer still had one defender to beat and cut onto her left to send the ball long into the far, top corner of the net. As they had against The Philippines, Australia had scored early.

Caitlin Foord looked to have doubled the lead when she powered the ball into goal, but was ruled off-side after a lengthy VAR check. Fowler eventually gave The Matildas an important second when she scrambled the ball home following Foord’s cross from deep.

The Iranian’s evening took another unfortunate turn with that goal as starting goalkeeper Maryam Yektaei succumbed to injury as she lunged for the ball.

Australia thought that they had a third, but another seemingly interminable VAR check ruled out Sam Kerr’s effort for a barely visible off-side call. Kennedy’s excellent half-volley finally delivered a goal that technology and freeze-frames could not deny.

Iran played a much more open game than The Philippines, their defeat to South Korea, combined with conceding early meant that they had nothing to lose, and they tried to press Australia in midfield, while looking to create a chance on the break.

The selection of Kennedy, and the discipline of the Australian back four meant that these chances never really eventuated. As Ellie Carpenter continually bombed forward, Kennedy was able to cover defensively, and when Australia advanced in possession, the central defenders moved up the pitch to win the ball back quickly in the even of any turnovers.

Australia did score a fourth in the second half. Kennedy powered home Emily Van egmond’s corner on the hour, but the floodgates never really opened despite Australia continuing to attack.

Unlike the first game, Australia looked more willing to shoot from the edge of the box and test the Iranian goalkeepers. With the result secure, Montemurro turned to the bench and brought on Holly McNamara, Remy Siemsen, Kaitlyn Torpey and Steph Catley. Hayley Raso also took to the field to a rapturous reception in her home state, but although she was her typically dangerous self, received a football, then a foot to the face in an unfortunately bruising evening for the star forward.

Australia are two for two in the group stage, but need to win against South Korea to secure top spot. The Matildas are still improving as they progress through this tournament and are developing new aspects to their game and new possibilities in their lineup.

Teams: IRAN (5-4-1): Yektaei, Imani, Amineh, Motevalli, Hamoudi, Ramezanizadeh, Sarbali, Ghanbari, Shaban, Behesht, Zolfi. Substitutes: Pasandideh, Yazdani, Chatrenoor, Dini, Makhdoumi, Sadeghi, Tamrian, Didar, Khajavi, Taherkhani, Jafarizadeh, Khosravi, Anbari.

AUSTRALIA (4-3-3): Lincoln, Carpenter, Nevin, Hunt, Rule, Van Egmond, Kennedy, Fowler, Sayer, Kerr, Foord. Substitutes: Arnold, Aquino, Heatley, Rankin, Catley, Torpey, Wheeler, Chidiac, Raso, Gorry, Cooney-Cross, Johnson, Heyman, McNamara, Siemsen. Goals: Sayer 8’ Fowler 27’ Kennedy 35’ 59’

Referee: Asaka Koizumi

Attendance: 22,398

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Ferns claim top spot and stay undefeated in World Cup Qualifiers

New Zealand 3-0 American Samoa

by Maddison Hagger (5/3/26)

Above: American Samoa’s Aaliyah Tu’ua (left) and New Zealand’s Hannah Blake (right). Photo: Joshua Devenie via Phototek.nz.

New Zealand has maintained its perfect record at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Oceania qualifiers, coming away with a 3-0 win over American Samoa and finishing top of Group A thanks to goals from Kelli Brown, Claudia Bunge and Indiah-Paige Riley.

American Samoa posed the Ferns’ biggest challenge yet in this tournament by maintaining a disciplined defensive line that restricted New Zealand’s’ scoring opportunities to set pieces and long range efforts. Despite an admirable and patient performance, American Samoa couldn’t break down New Zealand’s quality or control.

Having already qualified for the semi-finals, Football Ferns’ coach Michael Mayne named a revamped starting XI featuring a number of young players yet to have many minutes in the tournament or make starts for their national team. This included goalkeeper Maddie Iro, wingback Suya Haering and midfielders Emma Pijnenburg and Pia Vlok making their first starts for the Ferns.

New Zealand dominated possession in the first half but struggled to work through American Samoa’s defensive line. The tournament’s underdogs stayed disciplined, keeping their lines tight and denying any gaps for the Ferns to have clear sight on goal despite constant pressure.

The deadlock was broken just before halftime though when New Zealand was awarded a penalty after Maya Hahn was dragged down inside the box during a corner. Brown then stepped up to take the shot and delivered a powerful strike into the bottom right that snuck past the keeper despite a touch from Ayana Kirisimasi.

New Zealand doubled their lead in the 51st minute when Michaela Foster delivered a perfect corner towards the back post and Bunge was there to meet it, heading the ball into the top left.

Fatigue from the Honiara heat began to set in for both teams and American Samoa’s defensive efforts became stretched, giving the Ferns greater space to exploit. New Zealand was able to probe the lines and open more opportunities than they had in the first half.

This paid off in the 71st minute when Riley made it three for the Ferns. Playing in from the right, Riley dinked the ball over two American Samoa players, found Hannah Blake who played it back, and then took aim from the back of the box with a curled shot into the top left corner.

This result means the Football Ferns maintain their unbeaten record against Oceania opposition and claim top spot in Group A. Both teams will advance to the semifinals of the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, due to be held in New Zealand in April.

Teams: NEW ZEALAND (3-4-3): Iro, Bunge, Foster, Barry, Haering, Wisnewski, Pijnenburg, Elliott, Blake, Vlok. Brown. Substitutes: Esson, Moore, Hahn, Kitching, Clegg, Riley, Stott, Jackson, Lancaster, Jale, Anton, Santos.

Scorers: Brown 44’ (penalty), Bunge 51’, Riley 71’

AMERICAN SAMOA (4-3-3): Kirisimasi, Patolo, Teofilo, Tu’ua, Summers, Mana’u, Tu’ua, Fuamatu-Ma’afala, Patea, Toeaina, Vee. Substitutes: Corcoran, Motuapuaka, Koria, Tuson, Tautoa, Fuamatu-Ma’afala, Reed, Laina, Ve’e.

Referee: Mingxin Mu (China)

Attendance: 200.

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South Korea repeat dominance to stay undefeated at Asian Cup

Philippines 0-3 South Korea

By Alyce Collett 5/3/26

Above: Jeon Yu-Gyeong (#15) celebrates after scoring against the Philippines.  Photo: via AFC.

South Korea is two from two so far in the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup after downing the Philippines 3-0 thanks to goals from Jeon Yu-Gyeong, Park Soo-Jeong and Mun Eun-Ju.

South Korea was able to translate its dominance in possession into dominance on the scoreboard, and although the Philippines were more competitive in the second half than the first, they still could not translate it into any goals.  

The action was very even initially, with plenty of back and forth action between the sides.

However, both sides had different but very distinct game plans of working the ball to goal.

South Korea was favouring going down the right side of its formation when going into attack, with Ko Yoo-Jin, Choo Hyo-Joo and Jeon Yu-Gyeong having big roles to play.

Meanwhile the Philippines were looking to take a more central path to goal, trying to find the feet of the likes of Sara Eggesvik and Chandler McDaniel.  

As proceedings settled, South Korea started to dominate attacking play and really started to pile the pressure on a very compact Philippines’ defence.

Jeon Yu-Gyeong eventually got her reward with the first goal of the match, and after some strong footwork allowed her to work around a few Philippines’ defenders, she then nutmegged a couple of others and perfectly struck the ball into the back of the net and past the outstretched arms of Olivia McDaniel.

South Korea did not have long to wait for a second goal, when Park Soo-Jeong had a shot from outside the 18 yard box that went straight into the back of the Philippines’ net. All of a sudden, what had been a pretty solid performance defensive performance from the underdogs thus far had turned into a complete disaster.

It almost got even worse yet five minutes later, but Kim Shin-Ji’s goal was ruled out thanks to offside.

The Philippines did work their way into attack a few times later in the first half, but ultimately spent most of the first half deep in defence, and went into half time with plenty to think about if they wanted to turn things around in the second half.

Possession was pretty even in the early minutes of the second half. The Philippines made some attacking substitutions at half time and it seemed to improve things as they went within centimetres of getting a goal back. However, a cruel bounce meant that the ball bounced away from the goal line instead of into the back of the net.

South Korea had their own moment of going close to scoring without actually scoring, but Son Hwa-Yeon’s shot was stopped by a great save from McDaniel.

However, it would be mere moments before South Korea did get that third goal. The subsequent corner after Son Hwa-Yeon’s goal was initially punched away by McDaniel, but ultimately not far enough and after getting caught in a pack of players McDaniel was unable to stop the tap in from Mun Eun-Ju.

Mun Eun-Ju’s goal proved to be the final nail in the coffin but both sides did continue to attack hard, with both sides having some chances that went agonisingly close to being goals but were not.

Teams: PHILIPPINES (4-3-3): O.McDaniel, Cowart, Long, Eggesvik, Frilles, C.McDaniel, Beard, Pasion, Wunsch, Markey, Guillou. Substitutes: Bradley, Meollo, Sawicki, Pino, Cesar, Oca, Guy, Castaneda, Hawkinson, Curran, Carpio, DeFazio, Ramirez, Villapando, McSwigan.

SOUTH KOREA (4-3-3): Kim Min-Jung, Ko Yoo-Jin, Choo Hyo-Joo, Kim Jin-Hui, Lee Min-Hwa, Jung Min-Young, Kim Shin-Ji, Park Soo-Jeong, Jeon Yu-Gyeong, Mun Eun-Ju, Son Hwa-Yeon. Substitutes: Woo Seo-Bin, Shin Na-Yeong, Park Hye-Jeong, Casey Phair, Ji So-Yun, Choe Yu-Ri, Song Jae-Eun, Jang Sel-Gi, Choi Yoo-Jung, Ryu Ji-Soo, Noh Jin-Young, Kim Hye-Ri, Kang Chae-Rim, Lee Eun-Young, Kim Min-Ji.

Scorers: Jeon Yu-Gyeong 12’, Park Soo-Jeong 15’

Referee: Lê Thị Ly (Vietnam)

Attendance: 2,332.

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France survive scare to win Nations League opener

Republic of Ireland 1-2 France

By Alyce Collett 3/3/26

Above: Melvine Malard (left) and Sandy Baltimore (right) celebrate after Malard scored one of her goals tonight against the Republic of Ireland. Photo: via UEFA.

France has gotten its UEFA Women’s Nations League campaign off to the perfect start, downing the Republic of Ireland 2-1 in Dublin. The Irish gave the more fancied French one hell of a fight and held the lead for most of the match thanks to an early goal from captain Katie McCabe, but a late second half brace from Melvine Malard helped France to the win.

To the surprise of little in the home camp it was the French who did much of the attacking early, but the Irish were not without chances.

As much as France did much of the attacking early, as the half progressed beyond its first 10 minutes, the Irish really started to grow into the game and build their attacking time.

Then in the 12 minute the upset goal came as a hard running McCabe worked her way into the box and after a well timed pass across from Emily Murphy, the Ireland skipper smashed her shot into the back of the net to give the home side an early lead.

After the goal France did take control of the possession, but as hard as the likes of Perle Morroni, Kadidiatou Diani, Sakina Karchaoui and others tried to generate dangerous attacking play for the French, a resolute Irish defence – particularly Anna Patten and Aoife Mannion – continued to defend the space in front of goal well and frustrate the French attacking force.

Not only that, but the Irish kept the defensive pressure on the French further up the pitch too, not leaving the French players much time to think and relax as such while in possession.

All of this meant that the Irish went into the half time break with that one goal lead and the upper hand.

The French started the second half much like they started the first, with the tempo of the game rising after the break.

However, much like much of the first half no matter how hard the French attackers tried, they just could not navigate around the Irish defence.

The home side did have a few dangerous chances of their own, with Caitlin Hayes and Denise O’Sullivan going close and Murphy creating plenty of nerves for the French defence.

Both sides made some changes at about the 70 minute mark, and for the French their chances created almost instant success. Malard took barely a minute after coming on to get the equalising goal for France, after navigating her way through the Irish defence with relative ease and perfectly strike the ball into the back of the net.

Malard was on the scorers sheet again not even 10 minutes later after she navigated the ball behind a slow reacting Irish defence, and momentum had completely flipped to the French.

Despite conceding the lead the Irish continued to try and push for a second goal, and in a frantic three minutes of second half extra time went about as close to scoring as they could without actually getting the goal. However, a brilliant header on the goal line from Marie-Antionette Katoto meant that France maintained their lead and left Dublin with the full three points.

Teams: REPUBLIC OF IRELAND (5-3-2): Brosnan, Mustaki, Hayes, Mannion, Connolly, O’Sullivan, McCabe, Patten, Sheva, Carusa, Murphy. Substitutes: Moloney, Whitehouse, Stapleton, Kiernan, Littlejohn, Barrett, O’Hanlon, Quinn, Finn, Larkin, Noonan, Toland.

Scorers: McCabe 12’

FRANCE (4-3-3): Picaud-Inconnu, De Almaida, Samoura, Lakrar, Morroni, Jean-Francois, Geyoro, Karchaoui, Diani, Baltimore, Mateo. Substitutes: Chavas, Pinguet, Cascarino, Sombath, N’Dongala, Sangare, Ebayilin, Fazer, Le Moguedec, Gago, Katoto, Malard.

Scorers: Malard 71’, 79’

Referee: Tess Olofsson [SWE]

Attendance: 8,376.

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NPLW Vic R3: Boroondara stay perfect and Markovski delivers for Bulleen

By Kieran Yap 4/3/26

Above: Maja Markovski and Caitlin Friend of Bulleen. Photo: Bulleen Lions

Round Three of the Victorian NPLW saw Bulleen win for the first time this season, Melbourne Victory U23’s defeat Avondale FC, a traditional derby end in stalemate and a low scoring classic between Box Hill and Preston.

Preston’s Lionesses travelled to face the Premiers on Friday night. The visitors were undefeated in the first two rounds, but faced a side that scored eight last weekend. Box Hill started the game off with one of the goals of the season so far. A flowing end-to-end move involving seven passes sent Erin Keyt into space. The in-form striker backed up her hatrick last week with an excellent finish in the seventh minute.

Box Hill added another just four minutes later. Gabrielle Simpson’s reliably dangerous wing-play found Keyt at the back post, who once again finished without hesitation. The half-volley across goal was her fifth in two games and things started to look ominous for Preston.

The Lionesses soon settled and wrestled back some momentum. Rhiannon O’Looney became more involved on the left and Hollie Massie began to get more involved centrally. Preston eventually pulled one back in the 54th minute. A well worked corner was deflected in for an own goal by Pearl Tein to make it 2-1.

The final half hour of play was tense, entertaining and at times chaotic. Charlotte Hrehoresin’s eye-catching form continued with some good saves and at the other end Keeley Segavcic continued to frustrate a determined Preston.

Segavcic was excellent throughout the visitor’s push for an equaliser, although a hasty roll-out almost turned to ball over in a disastrous area.

Box Hill maintained the lead and showed that they have the defensive steel to go with their attacking flair. The win sees them climb to third on the table.

Friday’s other game was between Spring Hills SC and Essendon Royals. A first half goal from Ayano Koizumi was all that settled the sides. Her swerving free kick into the mixer evaded everyone in the crowded box for the only goal of the game.

Saturday saw Bulleen host Keilor Park SC, as they searched for their first win and first goals of the season against a team that had shown promise in the first two rounds.

Maja Markovski’s early goal relieved tensions at the Veneto club before Alana Cortellino scored from a trademark burst on the wing further boost confidence.

Captain Sarah Cain was excellent throughout as the main midfield pivot and added a third, finishing at the edge of the box from Ashley Jordan’s layoff to make it 3-0 before half time.

Markovski capped off a brilliant individual game with a classy finish in the second half to end that game 4-0.

There was nothing to separate Heidelberg United and South Melbourne at the Olympic Village. The traditional derby saw Bella Wallhead return to the club where she lifted last season’s premiership, but it was Samantha Curwood-Wagner who stole the limelight with a late equaliser to share the points.

It took until the 78th minute for the first goal to arrive. Alexis Pantazopoulos was slipped behind the defence by an excellent ball from Raquel Derales. She raced in on goal to give Mia Bailey no hope of saving it and give South Melbourne a lead that looked to be enough.

Curwood-Wagner had other ideas, and Heidelberg United fought back in the style that they have been known for. A period of sustained attacks saw repeated crosses from both flanks until the ball eventually fell to the winger in the six yard box to score her second in as many weeks.

Boroondara Eagles  end the round in top  spot after a 3-1 win over Bentleigh Greens SC It took until the 39th minute to break down a much improved Bentleigh. Sarah Brunner’s excellent run down the wing and close range finish opened the scores.

Genevieve Fontes added a second on the hour after forcing home a corner on the line to give Boroondara a needed two-goal cushion. Bentleigh pulled one back from the penalty spot through Candela Ferreyra Bas but it came in the 90th minute and while there was briefly hope they could find another goal it was Boroondara who scored next. Emma Vane added a third from a corner to slightly blow out the scoreline in the 94th minute of play.

Sunday solitary game was an early season classic. Two star-studded sides met at The Home of The Matildas with Avondale coming off their first win of the season and facing a young Melbourne Victory team full of confidence.

Victory opened the scoring early through Ella O’Grady’s composed finish. The former Young Matilda accelerated into space from the left and scored her second in as many weeks.

Melbourne’s U23’s had a second in the 15th minute. Emily Rutkowski started the move on the wing and O’Grady’s hold up play and Jess Young’s lay-off fed Rutkowski for an excellent finish at the edge of the box.

Avondale pulled one back barley a minute later through Hannah Wilkinson. The combination of Wilkinson and Sloane Young looks ominous for the rest of the league and the pair combined for a simple yet elegant move to bring it back to 2-1.

Avondale’s quality was beginning to shine through, even without Elisse Kellond-Knight they are a quality side, and before the second half they drew level. A rapid counter-attack involving Young and Sidney Allen resulted in Young’s fourth goal in two weeks.

Victory’s remarkable start to the season continued and they climb to second on the table thanks to Sienna Techera’s incredible winning goal.

It was the type of strike she had scored from many times in this league, but that does not make it any less thrilling to watch. Techera cut inside from the right and curled the ball into the net from the angle. Victory had regained the lead with 15 minutes to play and did not give it up again.

In Appreciation Of….Maja Markovski

After two consecutive losses, Bulleen were in unfamiliar territory. They needed a win, goals, and a confidence boost. Maja Markovski delivered all three in a near complete strikers performance.

The knee strapping evidently did not slow down the Bulleen centre forward, and she set the tone with early pressure that created the turnover for the first goal. But her game was more than just chasing and finishing.

Markovski’s inventiveness and quick feet helped created Bulleen’s second. Her hold up play and back-heel put Alana Cortellino into space, and the speedster did the rest.

Markovski added Bulleen’s fourth and her second with a terrific finish in the second half. It was a combination of physicality, determination and delicate technique as she held her balance and lofted the ball into the net.

She one of the barometers for Bulleen. They have plenty of talent, but if Markovski is in form, confident and even 80% fit, there are few defenders who can handle her. Her ability to drop deep, link play and drift out wide to create chances for others make her a deadly weapon. At her best, she forces defenders to make decisions, and as we saw against Keilor Park, even if they make the right ones, she can still find a way through.

This was an outstanding display of attacking football from Maja Markovski, that has potentially put her club’s season back on track. Markovski has the ability to change games, and to keep coaches up at night wondering what the best way to handle a fast running, stylish and powerful footballer. Against Keilor Park, she showed she has the mentality to step up when she is needed the most.

Her game was a privilege to watch.

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Impetus A-League Women Awards: February 2026

3/3/26

Above: Wellington Phoenix’ Makala Woods (yellow and black stripes) battles with Perth Glory’s Tijan McKenna for possession earlier this season. Photo: Ryan Imray for Impetus.

Impetus’ team of writers and photographers covering the A-League Women this season have joined together to select their Player, Young Player (aged 21 and under), and Head Coach of the Month for February Here are our choices in each category.

Player of the Month:
Makala Woods (Wellington Phoenix)

by Ben Gilby

What an impact from the 23-year-old American. Arriving early in the New Year on an injury replacement deal, the attacker has proven to be a rumbustious, powerful, and deadly component of the Nix’s push for a first ever Finals qualification.

Woods, who scored 11 goals for the University of Kentucky in the US college system during 2024, and then went on to hit nine goals for Iceland’s Tindastóll in 21 games the following year, has been a stand out performer for Wellington as the team have gone on a run of only two losses in their last 10 matches, and a February that included wins over Newcastle Jets, Perth Glory, and saw them earn a dramatic and historic point at Melbourne Victory.

Whilst the American hit the Phoenix’s winning goal at home to Perth Glory and also the late equaliser at Melbourne Victory, she offers her team so much more than potency in the box. Woods is a powerful runner, allied with a physical presence that defenders hate. She also has the experience of playing in defence earlier in her career to further assist the Wellington cause.

Makala Woods is a key part of Wellington’s push for glory as the Finals approach.

Young Player of the Month:
Avaani Prakash (Central Coast Mariners)

by Kieran Yap

Avaani Prakash is an artist, and the last month she has looked like a master at work.

The Young Matildas playmaker is equally effective in space or when needling to battle for the ball, where her tenacity and quick feet allow her to flummox defenders and free teammates.

The Mariners have been slightly inconsistent throughout February, but the youngster has become somewhat of a barometer and has helped keep the team threatening even after the departure of star forward Annelise Rasmussen.

Prakash had been reliable and creative in for The Mariners. Her best individual highlight was a brilliant assist for Tamar Levin against Wellington in Round 17.

Prakash received the ball in midfield, spun between two defenders, exchanged passes with a teammate before sending  a perfectly timed, lofted pass to Levin who finished off the move in style.

It was a wonderful goal that  required a mix of vision, creativity and technique. Prakash has all of that. She’s an exciting talent, a joy to watch and the country’s best young player in February.

Above: Avanni Prakash (yellow shirt) in action for Central Coast Mariners at Melbourne Victory this season. Photo: Tilly McDonald for Impetus.

Head Coach of the Month:
Antoni Jagarinec (Canberra United)

by Alyce Collett

Above: Canberra United’s Antoni Jagarinec continues to lead his side to impressive heights. Image: Canberra United.

The only person to win one of our awards more than once this season, Antoni Jagarinec is continuing to keep Canberra United humming along nicely and full steam ahead to what just might be their best season in a decade on the ladder front.

Jagarinec guided Canberra United to three wins out of their four games during the month of February, with their one loss coming in the form of a mere 1-0 to Perth away from home.

Canberra is a mere one win away from equalling the most wins the side has had in a season in at least the last decade (achieved in 2024/25) and things are looking good for those in Green to achieve their highest finish on the ladder since they finished on top in 2016/17.

Jagarinec has established his side into a well oiled machine, from a rock solid Sally James in goals through to the likes of Liz Anton in defence, Hayley Taylor-Young on the wing and the imposing target of Michelle Heyman in attack.

Not only is the side as a whole a well oiled machine, but unlike some sides in the competition Jagarinec has set up a system that generates goals from a wide range of players who play a wide range. For example the top three scorers for Canberra so far this season are Heyman, Josie Aulicino and Sasha Grove.

Impetus A-League Women Monthly Award Winners 2025/26:

PLAYER:

November: Michelle Heyman (Canberra United)

December: Holly McNamara (Melbourne City)

January: Annalise Rasmussen (Central Coast Mariners)

February: Makala Woods (Wellington Phoenix)

YOUNG PLAYER:

November: Pia Vlok (Wellington Phoenix)

December: Sasha Grove (Canberra United)

January: Ilona Melegh (Adelaide United)

February: Avaani Prakash (Central Coast Mariners)

HEAD COACH:

November: Stephen Hoyle (Newcastle Jets)

December: Antoni Jagarinec (Canberra United)

January: Bev Priestman (Wellington Phoenix)

February: Antoni Jagarinec (Canberra United)

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South Korea score three to kick off Asian Cup campaign

South Korea 3-0 Iran

By Emma Burke 2/3/26

Above: Choe Yu-ri (left) and Fatemeh Shaban. Photo: AFC Asian Cup

South Korea have comfortably opened their account at the Women’s Asian Cup, defeating Iran 3-0 on the Gold Coast with goals scored by Choe Yu-Ri, Kim Hye-Ri, and Ko Yoo-Jin.

Despite what looked like a low crowd number, the fans of both sides made enough noise to make it feel like Gold Coast Stadium was packed to the rafters.

Sitting low with five players in their backline, Iran was able to keep South Korea at bay until the 37th minute, when an injury to Afsaneh Chatrenoor lead to Iran going down a player, opening up space for South Korea.

A beautiful link up between South Korea allowed a shot on goal that then ricocheted off the post for Choe Yu-Ri to collect and put away. 

Early in the second half Iran had one of the best chances of the game, when they broke through against the run of play, allowing Fatemeh Pasandideh an opportunity to take a shot on goal, which was unfortunately sent directly at Kim Min-Jung in goal.

South Korea’s second goal came through a penalty, after Melika Motevalli made a poor challenge in the box against Lee Eun-Young.

Kim Hye-Ri converted the spot kick, sending the ball into the bottom right corner, marking only her second goal for her country in 138 appearances.

The final goal of the game came through a set piece play, won for South Korea by substitute Song Jae-Eun in their attacking half.

Delivered in expertly by goal-scorer Kim Hye-Ri, the ball found the head of Ko Yoo-Jin who only needed a glancing touch to it to direct it into the back of the net.

Despite losing 3-0, Iran’s defensive record still stands out, having faced 40 recorded shots.

This result now places South Korea at the top of Group A, and leaves Iran at the bottom due to the number of goals conceded.

South Korea (4-4-2): Kim Min-Jung, Ko Yoo-Jin, Mun Eun-Ju, Ji So-Yun, Choe Yu-Ri, Jung Min-Young, Jang Sel-Gi, Choi Yoo-Jung, Noh Jin-Young, Kim Hye-Ri, Kang Chae-Rim Substitutes: Woo Seo-Bin, Kim Jin-Hui, Park Hye-Jeong, Shin Na-Yeong, Casey Phair, Son Hwa-Yeon, Kim Shin-Ji, Song Jae-Eun, Park Soo-Jeong, Ryu Ji-Soo, Choo Hyo-Joo, Lee Eun-Young, Lee Min-Hwa, Kim Min-Ji

Scorers: Choe Yu-Ri 37′, Kim Hye-Ri 59′, Ko Yoo-Jin 75′

Iran (5-4-1): Yektaei, Imani, Motevalli, Sarbali, Chatrenoor, Behesht, Ghanbari, Amineh, Makhdoumi, Shaban, Jafari Substitutes: Yazdani, Ramezanizadeh, Ahmadizadeh, Pasandideh, Dini, Zolfi, Sadeghi, Tamrian, Didar, Khosravi, Khajavi, Hamoudi, Anbari, Taherkhani

Referee: Veronika Bernatskaia (Kyrgyzstan)

Attendance: 2,874.

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Ferns through to semis after second straight thrashing in World Cup Qualifiers

New Zealand 8-0 Solomon Islands

by Maddison Hagger (2/3/26)

Above: Hannah Blake completes a hat-trick against the Solomon Islands. Photo: OFC Media.

New Zealand is safely through to the semi-finals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Oceania qualifiers after defeating the Solomon Islands 8-0 at the National Stadium in Honiara.

With three goals in the first half and five in the second, New Zealand maintained their domination of never having lost a game against Oceania opposition and sit in the top-spot of Group A. New Zealand’s goals came from Milly Clegg, Indiah-Page Riley, Hannah Blake, Grace Jale and Pia Vlok.

A hat-trick for Blake, a brace for Clegg and four assists by Charlotte Lancaster showed that while footballing levels are improving within Oceania, the gap between New Zealand and the Pacific nations remains insurmountable.

Clegg opened the scoring in the second minute when the ball fell kindly in the box after a Solomon Islands’ defensive mistake. Clegg successfully capitalised with a strike hammered into the top left corner.

The opener was quickly followed with two more first-half goals by Riley and Blake.

In the eighth minute, New Zealand won possession in the midfield and launched a quick counter attack with the ball falling for Riley who beautifully curled it into the far top left corner.

In the 16th minute, a ball over the Solomon Islands’ defensive line found Blake with time and space who brought it under control and launched a strike into the bottom right corner. Solomon Islands’ goalkeeper Margaret Kofela got a touch but was unable to keep the ball out.

Facing a steep challenge against Oceania’s dominant side, the Solomon Islands’ coach Daniel Barrett chose to line-up defensively with five players in the back. The host side however lacked players to pass to up front and were unable to properly challenge New Zealand in attack. They did show resilience in defence though, and stifled any further attempts in the first half. Defenders Mesalyn Saepio and Naelyn Metake made multiple blocks to keep New Zealand from extending their lead, who at times were wasteful in finishing.

The Solomon Islands started the second half with greater intensity and successfully frustrated New Zealand by keeping positionally organised and blocking their attacking channels.

In the 57th minute, Ferns’ coach Michael Mayne made three changes with Suya Haering, Michaela Foster and Vlok coming onto the pitch.

Shortly after, Lancaster launched a dangerous cross which was poorly cleared to Jale on the edge of the box. She launched a hammering strike through the middle, increasing the scoreline to four.

Three more goals in the next 15 minutes dampened the Solomon Islands’ lively start and left the players looking tired and defeated.

Blake followed her first goal for New Zealand with two more, completing a hat-trick. 17-year-old Vlok also scored her first international goal by deflecting a shot from Foster into the bottom right corner.

Clegg closed the game off with her second when the Solomon Islands’ defensive line missed a clearance and Clegg was in position to slot the ball into the back of the net, increasing the scoreline to eight.

Teams: NEW ZEALAND (3-4-3): Santos, Anton, Moore, Stott, Lancaster, Hahn, Jale, Riley, Blake, Kitching, Clegg. Substitutes: Barry, Brown, Bunge, Elliott, Foster, Haering, Jackson, Pijnenburg, Vlok, Wisnewski, Esson, Iro.

Scorers: Clegg 3’ 78’, Riley 8’, Blake 16’ 63’ 70’, Jale 61’, Vlok 72’

SOLOMON ISLANDS (5-3-2): Kofela, Votu, Saepio, Rotoava, Nari, Metake, Anholland, Solosaia, Donga, Pegi, Gogoni. Substitutes: Donga, Paia, Saeni, Ikama, Alele, Sade, Oritaimae, Ellen, Hanigaro, Solo, Ama Lalawa, Aba.

Referee: Gulshoda Saitkulova (Uzbekistan)

Attendance: TBC.

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Matildas win Asian Cup opener but raise questions to ponder in the process

Australia 1-0 Philippines

By Alyce Collett 1/3/2026

Above: The Matildas celebrate after Sam Kerr scored to help Australia to a win over the Philippines tonight. Photo: Cat Bryant for Impetus.

Australia has started its 2026 Asian Cup with the perfect result, downing the Philippines 1-0 thanks to a first half goal from Sam Kerr.

However despite picking up all three points Australia’s performance has certainly brought plenty of questions to the surface, with an impressive defensive performance from the Philippines making it really hard for Australia to get shots away despite dominating possession.

The Philippines’ defence – lead by captain Hali Long – successfully deployed a low block, which carefully crowded the space in the Matildas’ attacking box to make it hard for the tournament hosts to shoot with any ease.

Eventually the defence did crack though in the 14th minute, and in a perfectly poetic moment it was the hometown hero in Kerr who scored the opening goal.

After Clare Wheeler beautifully crossed the ball in from the wing, she found Caitlin Foord on the back post who headed it to Kerr who then headed it straight into the back of the net.

Australia continued the attacking pressure after Kerr’s goal, and almost had a second goal at the half hour mark but VAR judged that Hayley Raso had been offside when she scored her goal.

The next best chance for the Matildas’ came with just over five minutes in regulation time of the first half left when Raso won a free kick just outside the 18 yard box, directly in front of goal. However, Steph Catley’s subsequent free kick shot on goal was perfectly saved by a flying Olivia McDaniel in goals, ensuring the Matildas were again denied a second goal for the evening.

Despite as hard as the Matildas were trying to double their advantage before half time, they were ultimately unsuccessful and Kerr’s goal was all that split the teams at the break.

The Matildas had 88% of possession in the first half, but only managed to record five shots (with only two of them on target). This was the result of the way the Philippines had been defending, deploying a compacted defence that really crowded the area directly in front of goal.

Perhaps buoyed by the success of their tactics in the first half, the Philippines continued to defend really strongly in the second half, continuing to make it really hard for the Matildas to get any shots on goal away. As hard as players like Raso and Wheeler were working in generating proper attacking opportunities, their efforts proved to be in vain as the likes of Kerr and Foord were simply outnumbered in the box.

Despite things not quite working in attack, when Matildas’ coach Joe Montemurro did change things up halfway through the second half it was the midfield he changed, seeming to change the formation to a 5-2-3 from the 4-3-3 he had started the match with.

The Matildas continued to struggle to get accurate shots on goal – with a number of long and inaccurate shots coming instead – and as such were unable to further add to their lead they established early in the first half.

Check out Instagram page – @ImpetusFootball for exclusive photography from the vast majority of games during the tournament – including today’s opening game at Optus Stadium by our team of photographers across Australia.

Teams: AUSTRALIA (4-3-3): Lincoln, Heatley, Hunt, Wheeler, Catley, Foord, Van Egmond, Raso, Gorry, Kerr, Carpenter. Substitutes: Arnold, Aquino, Nevin, Rankin, Torpey, Fowler, Chidiac, Kennedy, Johnson, Sayer, Heyman, Rule, McNamara, Siemsen.

Scorers: Kerr 14’

PHILIPPINES (4-3-3): O.McDaniel, Cowart, Long, Sawicki, Eggesvik, Frilles, C.McDaniel, Beard, Wunsch, Guillou, Pino. Substitutes: Bradley, Cesar, Oca, Guy, Castaneda, Hawkinson, Curran, Pasion, Markey, Meollo, Carpio, DeFazio, Ramirez, Villapando, McSwigan.

Referee: Dong Fangyu (China)

Attendance: 44,379.

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“We dream of these occasions.” Joe Montemurro and Sam Kerr preview opening match of the 2026 Asian Cup against The Philippines

Above: Joe Montemurro and Sam Kerr speaking to the media. Credit: By The White Line via @Matildas on Instagram.

By Ella McShane (28/2/26)

Tomorrow night, the Matildas take on The Philippines at Perth Stadium for the opening match of the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup. Before the infamous West Australian sun goes down on what is set to be a monumental occasion for women’s football in the state, Matilda’s Captain Sam Kerr and head coach Joe Montemurro spoke to the media. 

“We dream of these occasions.” Said Montemurro “We are very proud to be hosting the tournament.” 

Although almost three years ago, the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup was an event entirely synonymous with the Matildas. For many, it was the cultural revolution that established  everything they associate with the green and gold. 

Looking to this tournament, things have changed. From the squad, to coaching staff we are truly at the dawn of a new era of Matildas. Kerr reflected on what 2023 means coming into this tournament on home soil.

“Every year I play in the Matilda’s, the team is getting better,” said Kerr. “They’re last tournament didn’t go the way I wanted, personally, but on a team level it was an amazing tournament.” 

“I feel like I am really lucky to be here again on home soil, most people in their career don’t even get to play one tournament at home,” said Kerr. “The fact that we get two opportunities is an incredible honour.” 

Kerr is also the only player within the selected squad, who was a part of the historical side that claimed Asian Cup victory in 2010. The hometown hero reflected on what that victory means for the team today. 

“I know how much this team wants to win something together, I know how much every player wants to win something for the Matildas.”

“Going in as a dark horse [in 2010], helped us,” said Kerr. “And now with the pressure that the Matildas carry, we’ve tried to not talk about winning. Just talk about one game at a time. That’s what we did in 2010. I know how much everyone wants to win this tournament, but we don’t want to get too far ahead of ourselves. There are a lot of great teams in our path.” 

Tournament veteran Kerr’s main messaging for players participating in their maiden tournament is simple: “Just enjoy yourself. You never know when your opportunity will come and you just have to take it with both hands.” 

While the Matildas may be a household name in women’s football, many nations participating in the tournament are a far cry from even having solid development pathways or player resources and infrastructure. Kerr shared her hopes for the future of women’s football in Asia and reflected on how far the Matildas have come in this aspect during her tenure. 

“I hope they have the same growth as us,” said Kerr. “When I went to my first Asian Cup, no one expected us to win it. We were considered the dark horses. The games weren’t even live…five Asian Cups ago, that is where Australia was. Fast forward to today and the Matildas are the household name in Australia. I hope for all the other nations they go up in the same trajectory as the Matildas.”

Suspicions have been raised regarding the last line of green and gold defence, with Teagan Micah having to withdraw from the squad earlier in the week and Mackenzie Arnold absent from critical training sessions with less than twenty four hours to go.

“All of them are on individual scenarios to get right,” said Montemurro. “We are monitoring it and we’ve got it in control with our medical staff and we will make some decisions in the next 24 hours. I am still deciding what my starting eleven is going to be.” 

The concern extends to the Midfield with key player Kyra Cooney-Cross also absent from critical training sessions. However Montemurro assured that Cooney-Cross’ absence is “all precaution” given tight scheduling between club and national team obligations. 

Hometown hero Kerr also detailed what having a home match in Perth means to her as a proud West Australian. 

“I crossed every finger and toe for the World Cup to be in Perth. The next best thing is the Asian Cup,” she said. “We have so many West Australian fans that spend so much time and money flying all across the country, to bring a major tournament here is great.” 

Australia v The Philippines kicks off at 5pm AWST 1/3 at Optus Stadium in Perth and will be available to stream in 10Play and Paramount+ for paying subscribers.