The Westfield Young Matildas opened their AFC U-19 Women’s Championship campaign with a 5-1 defeat to 2017 runners-up DPR Korea.
Australia broke the deadlock in the 16th minute through Melbourne Victory starlet Kyra Cooney-Cross, who buried Indiah-Paige Riley's cross with a fantastic diving header.
Images courtesy of Lagardère Sports
Kim Hyang drew DPR Korea level off a rebound, and Yun Ji-hwa added another to ensure the East Asians took a half-time lead in Chonburi, Thailand.
Leah Blayney's side continued to fight in the second half but fell further behind when Ri Kum-hyang, Park Il-gyong and Kim Yun-ok to stretch the advantage out.
Next up for Australia in Group A is a match up with hosts Thailand on October 30.
SIGNING NEWS: Kellond-Knight returns to Brisbane
WESTFIELD W-LEAGUE: Harrison signs for Western Sydney Wanderers
