CommBank Matildas' forward, Caitlin Foord, was in the thick of the action during Australia's 3-3 draw with Korea Republic last night. Providing an assist to captain Sam Kerr, she reflected on the team's performance and spoke about what is required going into the knockout rounds of the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™.
For the CommBank Matildas to top Group A, they needed to win the match. Anything less, including a draw, meant they would have to settle for runners-up.
"We knew we had to win today if we wanted to top the group, and we left it too late," Foord admitted post-match.
"I'm kicking myself, I had early chances. If we put those away, it probably would've been a different game. I think we made it hard for ourselves tonight."
Australia has had no problem creating chances over the last three matches, but has struggled to convert when it counted. Foord spoke about where she felt the team struggled and what they need to improve going forward.
"I [need to remind myself I] have more time than I think, and it's that composure that I've lacked these last couple of games. We need to be better. We have to be clinical.
"We're definitely creating [chances], and we are on top [in creating chances]. It is just about finishing them.
"We need to tighten things up at the back as well. We conceded too easily tonight and just need to be better all around if we want to win this tournament."
There were definitely positives for Foord, who provided the assist for Australia's second goal of the match, scored by Sam Kerr.
"I think we could have done more of that. Me personally as well," she said.
"We picked the ball up in the pocket and Korea Republic just dropped off us. So, to draw someone in and slip past them was positive. Sam took it well, and credit to her for the finish."
Foord spoke about how important the AFC Women's Asian Cup record-breaking crowd was in pushing the team to find the draw.
"The crowd were massive tonight, and they definitely pushed us to get that third goal," she said. "I do believe if we had a couple more minutes, we would have got another one and that would have been off the back of the energy they gave us throughout the game."
AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™
CommBank Matildas v Group B Runner Up
Date: Friday, 13 March 2026
Venue: Perth Rectangular Stadium, Perth
Time: 6:00pm AWST/9:00pm AEDT
Broadcast: Network 10 and Paramount+
Radio: ABC Sport & ABC Listen
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