Finally, the Matildas are over the hump of an Asian Cup quarter-final. The ghosts of 2022 have been exorcised – even if they took the trickier route.

A stronger performance against South Korea on Sunday could have sealed top spot in their group and set up a straightforward meeting with world No.49 Uzbekistan. Instead, that disjointed outing in Sydney relegated them to runners-up and meant a trip back to Perth for a make-or-break challenge against world No.9 North Korea.

Sam Kerr and Michelle Heyman celebrate Friday night’s quarter-final win.Credit: AP

Goals from Alanna Kennedy and Sam Kerr closed........

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