South Korea held host Australia to a thrilling 3-3 draw to top its group at the Women’s Asian Cup in front of a massive crowd in Sydney on Sunday.
The two teams finished on seven points apiece in Group A, with the Koreans topping the pool on goal difference.
Australia will now face a tough quarterfinal against either North Korea or China, while South Korea stays in Sydney to play one of the best third-placed finishers.
South Korea, which knocked Australia out of the 2022 tournament, had to weather an early storm from the home side.
It should have been a goal down in the 10th minute when Steph Catley, who only had the goalkeeper to beat, fired high.
Australia was punished for its wastefulness four minutes later when the Koreans struck on the counterattack.
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Jeon Yu-gyeong found room down the left before putting a pinpoint cross into the box.
Mun Eun-ju burst through the Australian defence, with her finish giving goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold no chance.
Australia drew level when Alanna Kennedy fired home in the 32nd minute.
The host then sent the home crowd into a frenzy when Matildas superstar Sam Kerr fired in at the near post in first-half stoppage time.
South Korea equalised in the 53rd minute when Kim Shin-ji converted from the penalty spot.
Three minutes later it went ahead when substitute Kang Chae-rim fired across goal and beat a diving Arnold.
Kennedy’s equaliser in the seventh minute of stoppage time came too late to make a difference, giving South Korea the easier path in the knockout rounds.
Published on Mar 08, 2026
