CommBank Matildas captain Sam Kerr said that her second-half strike against Korea DPR in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ quarter-final was extra special in front of her friends and family in Perth.
She was speaking after the 2-1 victory that saw Australia advance to the semi-final, and also qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™.
“The most important thing is the win - go through in the Asian Cup semi-finals, and qualify for the World Cup - but to score at home [in Perth], it’s extra special” she said.
“I love this team. I love playing for my country. We have a special group here, so it feels nice as a striker and as the captain to have a big moment like that, and put our team where we need to be.”
Kerr has already scored three goals in this tournament. Still, she said that she was still building, and that the best is yet to come.
“I’m still working on it,” she said.
“Hopefully, I'm getting better game by game. That goal gives me a lot of confidence.”
When a 16-year-old Kerr scored against Korea DPR in the final of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2010™, she attempted a backflip that would become her trademark.
Older and wiser, she said that she thought better of it this time.
“I was too excited, too much emotion. When it's too good of a goal, I can't do it. I'll probably stack it like the first Asian Cup [2010] I went to!” she joked.
Both of the team's goals came as a result of a high press instigated by Kerr herself.
“It’s part of our game, getting a high press on,” she said.
“We have to keep doing that. Teams are almost - not scared of us, but that's one of our strengths, so we have to use it to our advantage.”
Australia will play either China PR or Chinese Taipei in the semi-final on Tuesday evening. Kerr said the goal of that game is simple, regardless of the opponent.
“Just win,” she said succinctly.
“It’s the same as the last few games - we've got to win. We'll enjoy this tonight, review it, but we've got to win.”
AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ Semi-Final
CommBank Matildas v China PR or Chinese Taipei
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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