The women’s Asian Cup has displayed some of the most riveting and exhilarating football in recent times. In the following article we look back on the top five matches of the women’s Asian Cup.
5. Australia 1 – 1 North Korea (Aus 5 – 4 DPRK on penalties)
An emerging star by the name of Samantha Kerr appeared on the score sheet as the Matilda’s provided Pim Verbeek’s Socceroos with some much needed inspiration before the World Cup in South Africa with a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over North Korea. Kyah Simon netted the winning penalty after Yun Song-mi was the only player to miss from the spot.
4. Australia 2 – 2 Japan
A highly anticipated group stage meeting between two powerhouses of Asian football did not disappoint with pace, intensity and a late strike all part of the script in Vietnam. Clare Polkinghorne put the Japanese back into the game through an own goal after the Matilda’s claimed a two goal lead before late drama ensued with Yuki Nagasato slotting a late equaliser to ensure Japan topped group A on goal difference.
3. North Korea 3 – 2 Japan
Number three contains a fittingly placed third place playoff against two technically sound sides who fiercely competed at Hindmarsh Stadium in 2006. Three goal inside 40 minutes saw the North Koreans take a seemingly insurmountable lead but the Blue Samurai fought back in typically proud fashion with goals to Kozue Ando and Nagasato to set up a nail biting finish but the North Koreans held out to claim a memorable victory.
2. China PR 2 – 2 Australia (China PR 4 – 2 Australia on pens)
Over 5000 people crammed into Adelaide’s Hindmarsh stadium to witness an Asian Cup final of high intensity and drama in which Han Duan rocketed home the final penalty to send China into scenes of wild celebrations. The Matildas were 2-0 up in the first half before a spirited second half performance from China saw them draw level before a deadlock in extra time saw the two sides separated on penalties.
1. North Korea 2 – 1 China PR (a.e.t.)
Rajamangala National Stadium hosted the 2003 Asian Cup final between North Korea and China in which a Ri Kum-suk extra-time penalty saw the North Koreans claim a narrow but well deserved victory. Gao Hongxia equalized for the Chinese before a superbly struck penalty from Hum-suk ensured the second Asian Cup title for North Korea.