Hunt and Australia reach Asian Cup semi-finals

Clare Hunt and Australia have progressed to the Women’s Asian Cup semi-finals after a 2-1 victory over Korea DPR on Friday morning – and in result, have booked their place at 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

For a fourth consecutive game at this tournament, the defender was named in the starting XI for the last-eight tie at HBF Park in Perth and completed the full match as the Matildas saw off a nervy end to the fixture to secure their spot in the final four.

The result also sees Australia qualify for the 2025 FIFA Women’s World Cup, becoming the second nation behind only hosts Brazil to claim their spot at next year’s prestigious event.

Former Spur Alanna Kennedy had got the host nation off to the perfect start in front of their home crowd as she sent a powerful effort into the top right corner after just nine minutes to break the deadlock early on.

Then, two minutes after the restart, Sam Kerr doubled their advantage with a strong left-footed effort past the Korea DPR’s goalkeeper. However, the away side responded well and halved the deficit on 65 minutes through Chae Un-Yong.

With the momentum in their favour, Korea DPR pushed for an equaliser and, after a combination of resolute defending and strong saves from Mackenzie Arnold, Australia were able to hold on to the win.

Clare and Australia will play the winner of China PR and Chinese Taipei in the semi-finals, which will take place on Tuesday 17 March.