Asian Cup LIVE 2026: Sam Kerr opens tournament with a goal against the Philippines in Perth
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Montemurro’s dream of possession-based football is alive and well
The Matildas get another opportunity with a corner but fail to convert any real opportunities from it. Although the Philippines have been disruptive, Australia have definitely dominated possession of the ball – just what Montemurro wants.
Australia 1-0 Philippines, 25 minutes
Watch: Sam Kerr’s goal
Van Egmond gifts the ball to the Philippines
Emily Van Egmond’s having a rough start to the match. She heads the ball above the goal while right in front of it and later tries a back-heel but gifts the ball back to the Philippines.
It’s worse for Wheeler though, who’s just been kicked in the shin. Ouch.
Australia 1-0 Philippines, 19 minutes
History starts to repeat itself as Foord and Kerr reunite
This is a decent start from the Philippines, who are indeed making themselves annoying by disrupting Australia’s attempts to find a rhythm. The Matildas do manage some nice build-up play in the lead-up to the game’s first corner, but their opponents do not look as if they are willing to repeat the 8-0 result of late 2023.
A classic poacher’s goal from Sam Kerr to open Australia’s campaign, and of course the assist from attacking partner from way back Caitlin Foord. Kerr is back, and there is more to come in this game. She and Foord both had a hat-trick the last time these teams played.
Sam Kerr scores!
Sam Kerr opens the scoring for the Matildas at Perth Stadium and her home crowd love it.
The goal will go down as Kerr’s, but Clare Wheeler should get some of the credit for a beautiful cross to Foord’s head. Kerr finds the back of the net. Australia have their first goal of the tournament.
Australia 1-0 Philippines, 14 minutes
Sam Kerr scores!Credit: Getty Images
Loud for Lincoln
Chloe Lincoln calmly catches the ball and is met with huge applause from the sold-out crowd at Perth Stadium.
Up the other end, A-League Women veteran Angie Beard makes a crucial block for the Philippines as the ball pin-balls inside the box from one Matilda to another. Carpenter keeps the ball alive.
Australia 0-0 Philippines, 12 minutes
Philippines out to annoy
Philippines coach Mark Torcaso said it was his mission to annoy and disrupt the Matildas in this match. They’re doing a good job of it so far, just breaking apart the Matildas rhythm.
Catley’s not happy with a tug on her shirt and the Matildas get the ball as a result.
Australia 0-0 Philippines, 12 minutes
Friendly fire
Play has paused after Ellie Carpenter and Hayley Raso accidentally clash with some decent force. It’s not exactly clear who wasn’t looking where but the collision was hard enough that Raso stops playing with her hands on her knees.
Australia 0-0 Philippines, 10 minutes
Catley’s left boot is back
It’s such a joy to get to see Caitlin Foord and Sam Kerr back on the same side. Both of them working to get the Philippines’ box.
It’s another great pleasure to watch Steph Catley deliver the ball from the corner with her left boot. It’s really just like old times. If those three keep it up we should get something on the scoreboard soon.
Australia 0-0 Philippines, 6 minutes
Rookie goalie gets her first taste of the match
Chloe Lincoln has made her first touch of the tournament in just her fourth cap for Australia as the squad’s back-up, back-up keeper.
It’s up to the back line of Wini Heatley, Clare Hunt, Ellie Carpenter and Steph Catley to help her get a clean sheet.
Australia 0-0 Philippines, 4 minutes
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