Australia vs Korea DPR, AFC Women's Asian Cup, Today Match Prediction

Australia vs Korea DPR Match Prediction & Analysis

After an entertaining group stage, the AFC Asian Cup moves into the knockout phase with the quarterfinals. 

The 1st quarter final clash takes place at HBF Park on Friday at 3:30 PM, where hosts Australia face DPR Korea, a side viewed by many as tournament favorites and by others as dangerous dark horses. 

Both teams enter the knockout stage after finishing second in their respective groups, setting up a tightly balanced contest where either side will be eager to prove their title credentials. 

Head-to-head Record: The teams have met three times in the tournament's history, with DPR Korea holding the advantage after one win and two draws. 

TEAMS PREVIEW

Australia Preview

Australia women's national football team would have preferred to avoid North Korea women's national football team this early, largely due to their unfamiliarity with the side. However, a 3–3 draw against South Korea women's national football team in their final group game meant Australia finished second on goal difference.

Coach Tony Gustavsson made five changes from the previous match against Iran women's national football team, bringing in Mackenzie Arnold, Katrina Gorry, Clare Wheeler, Winonah Heatley and vice-captain Steph Catley. 

The frequent changes disrupted rhythm, with visible disconnection between the players. In the end, Alanna Kennedy rescued a point with a stoppage-time equaliser—her second goal of the night. Meanwhile, Australia will, however, miss Catley in the quarterfinal after she picked up a concussion in that match. 

Key Players

Amid a star-studded squad, Alanna Kennedy has emerged as the standout for the Australia women's national football team, scoring four goals in three matches, including braces in the last two games. With much of North Korea’s defensive focus likely on stars like Sam Kerr and Mary Fowler, Kennedy could once again find space to make a decisive impact. 

Australia  Probable Starting Lineup -  Mackenzie Arnold (GK) ; Ellie Carpenter  Clare Hunt, Winonah Heatley, Courtney Nevin, Alanna Kennedy, Clare Wheeler, Katrina Gorry, Mary Fowler, Caitlin Foord, Sam Kerr.  

Korea DPR Preview

Unlike the Australian coach’s strategy of rotating players during the group stage, Korean coach Ri Song Ho stuck with the same starting XI in all three matches. Fatigue eventually caught up with the side in their final group game against China, where they suffered a 2–1 defeat after conceding twice in the first half. 

It was a cagey contest with limited attacking output from Korea—registering an xG of just 0.52 and only two shots on target. Kim Kyong Yong pulled one back for the Koreans, while another effort was ruled out after the break. Despite the loss, being involved in such a competitive encounter could prove valuable for the young side as they head into a crucial quarterfinal clash. 

Key Players 

Myong Yu-jong and Kim Kyong-yong head into the clash with China in strong scoring form. Kim has netted three goals in the last two matches, while Myong struck in the opening two games, including a hat-trick in the tournament opener. Without doubt, Myong Yu-jong and Kim Kyong-yong will have a crucial role to play if their side are to overcome the hosts on Friday. 

DPR Korea Probable Starting Lineup - Yu Son-gum (GK); Ri Myong-gum, Ri Kum-hyang, An Kuk-hyang, Ri Hye-gyong, Chae Un-yong, Kim Song-gyong, Myong Yu-jong, Ri Hak, Kim Kyong-yong, Choe Il-son.  

AUSTRALIA vs KOREA DPR
Winning Prediction

The last time these sides met in the AFC Asian Cup final was in 2010, when the Australia women's national football team came out on top. Their most recent meeting was in a 2016 World Cup qualifier, again won by the Matildas. 

Interestingly, seven players in the current Australian squad were part of that 2016 side, while none remain for North Korea. That experience could prove vital in a knockout game, though North Korea’s youthful energy and unpredictability make this a contest that could go the distance.  

Australia Women to win (2-1)

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