Kerr double leads Westfield Matildas in convincing win over Korea Republic

Sam Kerr’s brace helped the Westfield Matildas to a convincing 4-1 victory over Korea Republic in Sunday night’s Cup of Nations encounter.

Australia’s captain dispatched a fifth-minute penalty and tucked home her second in first half stoppage time, while Lisa De Vanna’s back-post tap in added to a sterling opening stanza display.

Emily Gielnik added a fourth with a spectacular effort late on, ensuring Ante Milicic’s side are in pole position to clinch the Cup of Nations when they host Argentina in Melbourne on Wednesday evening.

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10,520 fans were in attendance as the Westfield Matildas arrived in Queensland for the first time since 2014, and only five starters from Thursday’s 2-0 triumph over New Zealand remained in the fold.

One of them was Kerr, who wasted no time handing Australia the impetus after earning and scoring from the penalty spot in the fledgling moments.

The lead was swiftly erased when Chelsea star Ji Soyun replied with a gorgeous free kick, but De Vanna restored Australia’s advantage at the back post after Tameka Butt’s shot was parried by Korea Republic goalkeeper Kim Jungmi.

Kerr then made it three in first half stoppage time, seizing on an errant back pass from Jang Selgi before lifting the ball over Jungmi.

Australia resumed their dominance in the second half but failed to muster a fourth despite having Korea Republic on the ropes, with Jungmi pulling off a world-class stop to deny Princess Ibini.

However, that was until Gielnik stepped off the bench to lash home a powerful effort from an acute angle to seal a triumphant return to the Queensland capital.