Westfield Matildas held by resolute Korea Republic in AFC Women's Asian Cup opener

Matt Dorman 1523127048,1523128645

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.

Jang Sel-gi and Lisa De Vanna
Lisa De Vanna battles with Jang Sel-gi.

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.
Matildas