CommBank Young Matildas come from behind to defeat Korea Republic 2-1 | Football Australia

The Commbank Young Matildas have come from behind to defeat Korea Republic 2-1 in the opening game of the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup Uzbekistan 2024™.

It was a remarkable victory against the two-time champions. Goals to Peta Trimis and Naomi Chinnama in the second half turned the match around after Jeon Yugyeong gave Korea Republic the lead in the first 45.

Head Coach Leah Blayney made four changes to the side from the last time the Young Matildas played, which was against China in December. Milly Boughton, Peta Trimis and Sasha Grove earned a place in the starting eleven, while 16-year-old Maddie Caspers also claimed a starting spot in her first u20 national call-up.

Australia started the game the stronger of the two sides. Melbourne City’s Daniela Galic looked lively early on, forcing a good save out of goalkeeper Woo Seobin and putting ample pressure on Korea’s defence.

However, it was Korea Republic who began to take control of the game as the half wore on. The third-place team of the previous edition of the tournament were winning the territory battle, and looked the most likely to score.

It was Jeon Yugyeong who would score the breakthrough after a free kick. Australian goalkeeper Chloe Lincoln was not able to grasp the ball, and it dropped perfectly into the Korean captain’s path. She made no mistake from close range.

The team in red continued to dominate the rest of the half. Won Chaeeun came close to doubling their lead with a header that flashed just wide. For their part, the Young Matildas struggled to create opportunities, and went into the halftime break requiring a reset.

Leah Blayney turned to her bench to help spark that renewed impetus. Newcastle’s Lara Gooch and Claudia Cicco came onto the pitch to add