Matildas handed tough draw in Women's Asian Cup group
Australia's group stage opponents were confirmed at Tuesday night's draw ceremony at Sydney Town Hall, with South Korea, Iran and the Philippines landing in Group A.
Though the Matildas won their two friendlies against Korea earlier this year, the last time they met in a competitive fixture was at the 2022 Asian Cup in India, where scored a last-gasp winner to abruptly end Australia's bid for a second continental crown in the quarter-finals. The Taeguk Ladies went on to lose the final to China.
The tournament will begin with a showdown between Australia and the Philippines – who are coached by an Australian, Mark Torcaso – at Perth's Optus Stadium on March 1.
The Matildas will then face Iran at Cbus Super Stadium on the Gold Coast four days later, and Korea at Sydney's Accor Stadium on March 8.
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It was close to the toughest draw possible for Australia, who were drawn with the top-ranked teams in pots three and four, and the second-highest ranked team in pot two - avoiding former Matildas boss Ante Milicic and his Chinese side, who are in Group B with North Korea, one of Asia's top women's football nations.
The importance of topping the group is critical, as the runners-up of Group A will face the second-placed team from Group B in the quarter-finals - and to book their spot at the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil, the Matildas will likely need to progress through to the semi-finals.
This Asian Cup will be the last edition that also doubles as the final stage of qualification for the World Cup, with the top six teams earning an automatic berth. Should the Matildas reach the quarters and lose, they would then take part in one of two 'play-in' matches against another losing quarter-finalist. The winners of those will also qualify for the World Cup, while the losers would be forced into the intercontinental play-offs.
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