The Matildas went down bruised and battered tonight in Pyongyang, losing 2-0 to a physical North Korea in the opening match of their Tour to North Korea and China.
The rough-house tactics were just one of the hurdles the Australians needed to overcome, the home-town refereeing appallingly bad, and soaring heat and humidity making life very difficult before a large crowd of around 15,000 locals.
North Korea's opening goal after just four minutes set the tone of what was to come, Matildas goalkeeper Tracey Wheeler lucky to escape serious injury after her legs were taken out from under her as she gathered in a high cross. Held down with the ball dislodged from her grasp, North Korea's Song Ok Jo promptly slotted the ball home, and the referee awarded the goal.
Australia performed better in the second half and were starting to get on top. Five minutes after resumption, Amy Wilson hit the crossbar with her strike, and not long after a Sacha Wainwright volley went agonisingly close. North Korea's keeper did her part to deny other Australian chances.
But the home side then doubled their lead midway through the half. A lapse in concentration in the Aussie defence allowed them to surge forward on goal with a series of short passes and the move was finished by Sol Yong Suk. Australian appeals for offside were waved away.
The Koreans had the chance to make it three in the 76th minute, awarded a questionable penalty, but the spot kick was saved by Wheeler, then again off the rebound before the danger was eventually cleared.
Wheeler may be in doubt for the next match after landing on her bad knee in the first goal incident, whilst substitute Kelly Golebiowski also received a bad knock. Bryony Duus fell victim to the conditions and came off with heat exhaustion.
"A draw would've been a fair result, but you can't expect too much when you're playing against fourteen," said National Coach Chris Tanzey of the refereeing display. "I was proud of the girls. Sometimes you learn more when you lose, but it still leaves a nasty taste in your mouth."