Australia v South Korea: Women's Asian Cup 2026 live

"Back in 2022, when Tony Gustavsson's vaunted performance mode went bust as the Koreans dumped the Matildas out in the last eight. It was a result that, had Australia not been hosting the Women's World Cup the following year, would have seen them miss out on qualification for the global showpiece event."

"Having dodged thrashings against both the Matildas and Koreans, the Philippines are well-placed to advance through to the knockout stages as one of the two-best third-placed finishers if they're able to get a win this evening. While Vietnam, having actually won a game, rank as the best third-placed finisher thus far, the Filipinas goal difference of -4 sees them occupy the other slot heading into this round of games."

"Much of the fallout from the Matildas' win over Iran has centred upon the dangers facing down the Iranian players, with news emerging the day after the game that a conservative, state-aligned commentator in the country had described them as wartime traitors after they refrained from singing the national anthem of the Islamic state ahead of their first game."

Australia and South Korea meet in the final group stage match of the Women's Asian Cup, with their last encounter in 2022 resulting in Korea's elimination of the Matildas in the quarterfinals. Simultaneous kick-offs across all three groups prevent any collusion between teams. The Philippines, having avoided heavy defeats, position themselves to advance as one of the two best third-placed finishers with a potential win over Iran. Vietnam currently ranks as the best third-placed finisher, while the Philippines occupy the second slot with a -4 goal difference. Separately, concerns have emerged regarding the safety of Iranian players who refrained from singing their national anthem, prompting calls for government protection and intervention from football governing bodies.

Read at www.theguardian.com