Kerr sends Australia into Asian Cup Final with decisive Goal
Sam Kerr scored the decisive goal as the Australia women’s national football team defeated China women’s national football team 2–1 to reach the final of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
Australia had taken the lead earlier through Caitlin Foord, who finished a well-worked move involving Ellie Carpenter and Mary Fowler. China later equalised when Zhang Linyan converted from the penalty spot.
Kerr’s winner ultimately separated the sides and sent Australia into the tournament’s final for the first time in years.
After the match, Kerr admitted the moment was difficult to process.
“I can’t really gather my emotions right now. We’ve taken the long road to be here and it just feels so good to be in the final.”
Australia last won the tournament in 2010, when Kerr was just 16 years old and part of the squad that defeated North Korea in the final.
Head coach Joe Montemurro acknowledged that the team had moments where they dropped their intensity but was pleased with the result.
“We scored a very good goal and started to find our rhythm. We just need to be braver and play higher, but we got the result we wanted,” he said.
Australia will now face either the Japan women’s national football team or the South Korea women’s national football team in the final as they chase their second Asian Cup title.
