CommBank Matilda Alanna Kennedy said that the 4-0 victory against IR Iran has helped build confidence within the team ahead of the final group stage game against Korea Republic.
Kennedy scored her first brace in national team colours since 2018 to help Australia qualify for the knockout stages.
“There's a few things we needed to work on,” she said.
“It’s a tough opposition, having to break teams down like that. For us, we wanted to get some goals, and a bit of confidence in our performance as well. I think we got that. Hopefully, we can build and grow in the next game as well.”
She said she was particularly delighted to score her second goal, which was the result of a set piece.
“I've been working on my timing of that for a while now, so Leanne [Hall], our set piece coach, will be rapt with that,” she said.
“The crowd were nearby with my family here. My Dad told me to score him a goal before the game, so I made sure I gave him a wave on that one.”
Kennedy has been more often seen as a centre-back in her CommBank Matildas career. More recently, and for this game, she has been lining up in midfield. She reflected on her role in the team in the ‘6’ role.
“To break up play, but more so, to give a bit of stability under the ball and a balance at the back as well,” she said.
“The other centre-backs move forward, and I'm able to fill in. I'm familiar with the centre-back position as well. So a couple of different roles in there.”
One of those players listed at centre-back on Thursday evening was Charlie Rule, playing in only her second CommBank Matildas game. Kennedy shared the advice that she gave the 23-year-old before the match.
“Just to enjoy the moment,” she said.
“I couldn't believe it was her first game in a major tournament. She’s been playing really well at her club and also here as well. So just stoked for her to be able to step in and have a real presence back there.
“Looking forward to seeing how she goes further into her career. She's a great player.”
Kennedy was named the official Player of the Match against IR Iran, but is not letting the performance carry her away as she looks ahead to the rest of the tournament.
“There are things I could have improved on in my game,” she reflected.
“So there are definitely some things that I'll be looking to do in the next match, and moving forward into this tournament.”
AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™
CommBank Matildas 1 v 0 Philippines
Date: Sunday, 1 March 2026
IR Iran 0 v CommBank Matildas 4
Date: Thursday, 5 March 2026
CommBank Matildas v Korea Republic
Date: Sunday, 8 March 2026
Venue: Stadium Australia, Sydney
Time: 8:00pm AEDT
Broadcast: Network 10, 10 Play and Paramount+
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