CommBank Matildas goalkeeper said that she couldn’t be more proud of the team’s performance after they secured a 2-1 victory over Korea DPR in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026™ quarter-final.
Arnold made nine saves as the team absorbed large amounts of pressure to hold on for the all-important win. The victory also secured the team’s qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027™.
“I’m over the moon,” she said.
“It wasn't our prettiest match, but some games are going to be like that, especially in the Asian Cup. To see us all come together, fight like we did, qualify for the World Cup, move on to the semi… yeah, I couldn't be more proud.
“We always play like that when our backs are against the ball. I think it’s a testament to us as a team.”
She praised her back line as they held out against Korea DPR’s attacking threats.
“It was going to be wave after wave with their attacks, and we knew that,” she said.
“We knew it was going to be a scrappy game. The way we all defended, honestly - all 11 of us from start to finish - it was unreal. It was what was needed to win that game. Like I said, it's a testament to us as a team and the culture that we have.”
Alanna Kennedy scored her fifth goal of the tournament during the game, while also being an essential part of the defence that did so well to secure the result. Arnold was delighted with her contribution.
“I could not be more proud of her,” she said.
“Coming into this tournament, we weren't sure if she would play midfield or defender, whatever it was, but she's really stepped up in a new role. It’s been so cool to see her grow in that position, and to score that many goals as a defensive midfielder is absolutely unreal.
“I can't wait to see what she brings in the semi.”
That semi-final will be against either China PR or Chinese Taipei, depending on their quarter-final result on Saturday.
“If China PR win, they’re going to be very physical,” she said.
“It's going to be a similar game to Korea DPR and Korea Republic like we’ve had. We're going to be up for it.”
AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Semi-Final
CommBank Matildas v China PR
Date: Tuesday, 17 March 2026
Venue: Perth Stadium, Perth
Time: 6:00pm AWST/9:00pm AEDT
Broadcast: Network 10 and Paramount+
Radio: ABC Sport & ABC Listen
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