Sam Kerr delivered a trademark moment of brilliance in Tuesday's China vs Australia semifinal, lifting the Matildas over China 2-1 to book a spot in Saturday's AFC Women's Asian Cup final.
Kerr scored the game-winner in the 58th minute, rounding the goalkeeper after receiving a pass from Caitlin Foord. She then threaded the ball into the net from a tight angle as Chinese defenders sprinted toward the goal line.
Foord opened the scoring for the Matildas in the 17th minute after Ellie Carpenter's breakout run down the right wing. Carpenter played the ball into space for Mary Fowler, who subsequently cut it back for Foord to finish.
China later equalized in the 26th minute via Zhang Linyan's penalty. Clare Hunt accidentally headed a bouncing ball into Australia's penalty area, allowing Zhang to run onto the loose ball before making light contact with keeper Mackenzie Arnold. The Chinese forward went on to convert the awarded spot kick.
The China vs Australia match grew physical in the first half, as Chinese midfielder Wang Aifang received a yellow card for a studs-up challenge on Katrina Gorry in the 35th minute. Tuesday's showdown featured contrasting possession stats, with Australia holding 62% of the ball while China managed 10 shots in the first half compared to Australia's four.
Australia will next face either Japan or South Korea in the final as the Matildas seek their first Asian Cup title since 2010.
