Westfield Matildas held by resolute Korea Republic in AFC Women's Asian Cup opener
The Westfield Matildas have commenced their 2018 AFC Women's Asian Cup campaign with a frustrating 0-0 draw against a stout Korea Republic on Sunday morning (AEST).
Australia did all of the attacking from start to finish at King Abdullah II Stadium in Amman but were unable to break down a deep and compact defence.
Kyah Simon stabbed a late chance over the crossbar as the tournament favourites were forced to settle for a stalemate.
The one-sided nature of the contest did ease the return of Hayley Raso and Steph Catley, who both recovered from injury to join Clare Polkinghorne and Elise Kellond-Knight in a reconfigured back four that was rarely tested.
Alen Stajcic's side now turn their attention to gaining maximum points on Wednesday morning (AEST) against a Vietnam side that was beaten 4-0 by Japan in Group B's other game.
STORY OF THE GAME
- CHANCE: The ball breaks at close range for Sam Kerr, but her finish is deflected wide by scrambling defenders.
- SHOT: Kerr tries her luck with a first-time effort that's comfortably held by Yoon Young-guel.
- SHOT: Tameka Butt skies a loose ball over the bar from the edge of the area.
- HALF-TIME: The two sides enter the break deadlocked despite Australia managing seven shots to Korea Republic's zero.
- SHOT: Butt thumps a half-volley toward goal that crashes into a defender.
- CHANCE: Lisa De Vanna's athletic bicylce kick drops agonisingly out of Chloe Logarzo's reach at the back post.
- CHANCE: Simon, on in place of De Vanna, can't generate enough power to loop a header over goalkeeper Yoon.
- CHANCE: Catley pulls the ball back to a good area, but Simon side-foots over the bar with the final and best opportunity of the game.