This was not a loss like that 2023 World Cup group stage implosion against Nigeria. Sunday night’s 3-3 draw with South Korea has not even left the Matildas on the brink of an Asian Cup exit – they had secured their place in the knockout stages before kick-off in Sydney.

Still, two wins from their games against the Philippines and Iran were not enough on their own to top Group A – Korea had a superior goal difference entering the final fixture, and Australia needed to win to top the group. The reward for doing that? No more travel, an extra day’s recovery and........

© The Sydney Morning Herald