CommBank Matildas fullback Kaitlyn Torpey expressed her jubilation after the team’s quarter-final victory over Korea DPR on Friday night, explaining that the 2-1 win was extremely hard-fought.
Torpey started at left-back in place of the injured Steph Catley and received plenty of plaudits for her performance as the team secured qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027™.
“I don't think I've ever felt like that after a game before,” she admitted post-game.
“I literally started crying after the final whistle. I just felt like we all worked so hard in that game, especially at the end, we're fighting for our lives. They put up such a fight, and now we're f***ing qualified!”
The 25-year-old said that she felt good about her performance in the middle. She received advice from the team’s vice-captain, Steph Catley, in the tunnel at half-time.
“I feel really good. I put in a fight today. I just wanted to do my best,” she said.
“Steph has big shoes to fill. She’s an amazing player, and I love learning from her. So it was an awesome game. I'm very happy.
“I asked her what she saw from me in that first half, and what she sees that I can do more of. She's an inspiration to me, and always has been. She just said, keep doing what I'm doing, and to organise defensively in front of me a little bit. She’s a leader that I look up to.”
Torpey and her fellow full-back, Ellie Carpenter, had opportunities to move up the field during periods of the game when Alanna Kennedy could drop into a third centre-back role from midfield.
“I don't think we got the opportunity to do it as much in the second half because we wanted to hold on to the lead, but I love going high,” she said.
“I love being creative up there. So as much as I can, I go higher, but will do whatever the team needs.”
During the post-match press conference, Head Coach Joe Montemurro indicated that he thought Korea DPR was the strongest team at the moment. Torpey said she was proud of the way the team managed their opponents.
“We knew they were going to be good, and they were good,” she said.
“We put in a fight. It wasn't an easy win. I think we managed it well. We were coached well before, and we were ready for it.”
Torpey has been a key part of in-camp squad camaraderie during the tournament. Not only for what she brings to the pitch, but for the fun and colour she brings off it. She hopes that will continue as the team progresses through the knockout stages.
“I love this team,” she said.
“Ever since I've stepped foot into camp, I've loved every single second of it. I'm someone who wants to try and make everyone happy and the vibes high. So as much as I can do that, I will.”
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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