Australia v North Korea report by ASA

Australia 0 - North Korea 0


Tonight's Australia Cup match between the Matildas and DPR Korea was abandoned with one half completed due to adverse weather conditions.

As nearby electrical storm activity increased, tournament officials took advice from the Bureau of Meteorology, and made the decision to abandon play with the safety of the players and officials the priority.

China won the earlier match against New Zealand 3-0.

North Korea held a one-goal lead in the game against the home side when play was abandoned. Their 11th minute goal was scored by Sok Chun Myong, on the burst to meet a neat cut back from the right by teammate Yun Yong Hui.

Australia enjoyed a good share of the possession in the first half, and created several good openings in attack. Sarah Walsh and Lana Harch had the best of the chances, but were unable to break through for the equaliser. North Korea came close to scoring again in the last ten minutes before the break, but for two fantastic saves by Australian goalkeeper Cassandra Kell.

Play did not resume after half-time.

The young Chinese outfit were deserved 3-0 victors over New Zealand, all three goals scored in the first half. China were impressive on the ball, penetrating the opposition backline with good movement and incisive passes. New Zealand also had chances of their own, but resorted mostly to long-range efforts without success.

A drive from China's Fan Tingting hit the post in the 8th minute, signalling what was to come. Just two minutes later, they held the 1-0 lead when a corner kick from the right was met with a powerful header from Wang Kun ten metres out.

Midway through the opening stanza, China doubled the lead with a solid strike from Xu Yuan. China's third goal came seven minutes before the break, Wang Kun recording her second of the match. A neat through-ball released the striker behind the defence, and after rounding the goalkeeper, the ball was slotted home from an acute angle on the left into the open net.

In the second half, China maintained the upper hand, although New Zealand had stepped up their defensive effort, well enough to prevent any further goals.


written by Australian Soccer Association