MATILDAS LOSE TO CONTROVERSIAL NORTH KOREAN GOAL
The Matildas have gone down 2-1 after a controversial goal in stoppage time gave the physical North Koreans their second victory tonight in Pyongyang.

The home-town refereeing was the Matildas' greatest hurdle, the Australians suffering two send-offs and seven yellow cards to North Korea's one yellow.

North Korea scored the winner two minutes into stoppage time. Matildas keeper Joanne Butland caught the ball in the air but was felled by a North Korean and pinned to the ground for a length of time whilst teammate Ri Kyong Ae slotted the ball into the back of the net. The referee awarded the goal amidst the Australian protests.

The Matildas were devastated after putting in such a fantastic performance under the most trying of circumstances. Playing with obvious passion, Australia moved the ball well and made some great attacking runs. Two clear chances on goal, both a one-on-one with the goalkeeper, were pulled back by the officials for offside.

Down to ten players after the dubious red card to Sunni Hughes in the 65^th minute, Australia had fought back and equalised. A Heather Garriock freekick was headed on by Cheryl Salisbury and volleyed in brilliant style by captain Alison Forman in the 81^st minute.

The home side had initially taken the lead three minutes after Hughes' send-off, a cross headed home by Song Ok Jo.

Substitute Kelly Golebiowski received her marching orders late in the match for an unknown offence, not long before North Korea's second goal.

Australia departs for China tomorrow morning for two games against world number two China, their last matches before the Olympic Games.