Shakeel ur Rehman
Sydney, Australia
Hosts Australia women’s national soccer team came from behind twice to secure a thrilling 3–3 draw against Korea Republic women’s national football team in a Group A match of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026 at Stadium Australia.
The result ensured Korea Republic finished top of Group A and will face the third-placed team from either Group B or Group C in the quarter-finals. Australia, meanwhile, will meet the runners-up of Group B in the knockout stage.
The exciting contest was witnessed by a record crowd of 60,279 spectators, setting a new tournament attendance record. The previous best crowd of 44,379 was recorded when Australia faced the Philippines women’s national football team in the opening match on March 1.
Australia started brightly with several early chances. Captain Sam Kerr tested goalkeeper Kim Min-jung early on, while Caitlin Foord fired over the bar from a cutback by Katrina Gorry.
Despite the early pressure, Korea Republic struck first in the 13th minute. Jeon Yu-gyeong broke down the flank and delivered a precise pass beyond Clare Hunt, allowing Mun Eun-ju to slide the ball past goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold.
Australia suffered another setback in the 18th minute when defender Steph Catley was forced off after taking a heavy blow to the head while attempting to block a cross. She was replaced by Courtney Nevin.
The hosts equalised in the 32nd minute when a cross-cum-shot by Mary Fowler caused confusion in the Korean penalty area and was turned in from close range by Alanna Kennedy.
Australia had a chance to go ahead in first-half stoppage time when Caitlin Foord found space at the edge of the box, but her low shot went narrowly wide.
Moments later, Foord redeemed herself by setting up Sam Kerr, who calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner to give Australia the lead before the break.
The second half continued in the same thrilling fashion as both teams exchanged goals, with Australia twice coming from behind to secure a dramatic 3–3 draw in front of a record crowd in Sydney
