Australia Faces Familiar Foe China in Asian Cup Showdown

Matildas eye bravery against China in Asian Cup semi-final

Australia's Matildas urged to be brave against China in Women's Asian Cup semi-final, with star players Sam Kerr and Emily van Egmond in top form.

China, led by ex-Australia coach Ante Milicic, face Sam Kerr's Matildas in Asian Cup semi-final showdown...

Australia coach Joe Montemurro is urging his Matildas team to be more aggressive against defending champions China in their Women's Asian Cup semi-final. China, led by former Australia coach Ante Milicic, is wary of Australia's attacking power, particularly players like Sam Kerr and Caitlin Foord.

The Matildas had a tough 2-1 win over North Korea, and Montemurro wants them to be braver with the ball against China. China is missing star player Wang Shuang due to suspension, which could give Australia an edge. The match is scheduled for Tuesday at Perth Stadium.

“We haven't always been brave enough to control the ball, and as you all know, my way of thinking is with the ball,” said Montemurro ahead of the clash in Perth on Tuesday.

“So obviously the focus has been on that. We're playing a team that is very, very well structured, very well organised.”

Turning up the heat at training ☀️⚽#ParaMatildas #CPFootball pic.twitter.com/g5l2D341jT

— CommBank ParaMatildas (@paramatildas) February 7, 2026

Australia's got a boost with Steph Catley and Hayley Raso back fit after missing the quarter-final with concussion. Their return gives the Matildas a lift heading into the semi-final against China.

Emily van Egmond is set to make history, becoming Australia's most-capped player in her 170th game against China. The Leicester City midfielder has played at four World Cups, three Olympic Games, and three Asian Cups, and says it's all about the team's effort.

“We've worked hard to reach the semi-finals and it's all about team performance,” said the 32-year-old, who Montemurro called “one of the best footballers that we've produced.”

Australia's got an extra day's rest heading into the semi-final, having played North Korea on Friday. China played a day later and scraped through 2-0 against Taiwan in extra time.

China's missing key striker Wang Shuang due to suspension, but coach Ante Milicic knows Australia inside out - he led the Matildas from 2014-19.

Ante Milicic coached the Matildas at the 2019 World Cup, leading them to the round of 16. He keeps close tabs on Australia, so this semi-final matchup is personal.

“I always follow the Matildas from afar and track the players' journey,” he said.

“Right now I'm enjoying my time with China, and leading them to the semi-finals is a dream for me and the staff.”

Milicic is wary of Australia's firepower up front, particularly Sam Kerr, Raso, and Caitlin Foord. Those three are a handful for any defense.

“These forward players of Australia can unlock any defence and have been performing at the top level for a long time,” he said.

“Defensively we have to be very strong.

“We not only have to contain Australia's attacking threat, but we have also shown that we can attack and need to find the right balance.”

The winner will face either Japan or South Korea in Saturday's final in Sydney. A tough decision awaits the victory.