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By ANDREW PRENTICE, SPORT REPORTER, AUSTRALIA Published: 16: 52 AEDT, 13 March 2026 | Updated: 16: 58 AEDT, 13 March 2026 15 View comments Matildas captain Sam Kerr has urged her teammates not to be distracted by North Korea's combative approach on the pitch - or their Asian Cup dream will be over. Australia take on Korea DPR in Perth on Friday night - and it could be argued the hosts are the underdogs given their opponents are ranked ninth in the world. The Tillies are ranked 15th - and Kerr expects plenty of antics from their rivals with a semi-final spot on the line. 'We honestly don't know much about (North) Korea each time we play them, ' Kerr told reporters. 'They like to run a lot, they're aggressive, they never give up. 'Every time we have played them, it's been difficult. 'If we are not ready, we will lose. We have to be ready to fight from the first minute. ' Matildas captain Sam Kerr has urged her team-mates not to worry about North Korea's combative approach on the pitch - or their Asian Cup dream will be over Kerr found the back of the net against the Philippines and South Korea at the Asian Cup for the Matildas in the group stage It comes after North Korea produced some bizarre antics during their final group stage game against China. After VAR ruled a goal for China, the furious players stood on the sideline protesting. Coach Ri Song-ho was equally animated, threatening to walk off with his team and not return for the second half. Kerr also believes the Tillies aren't far from their best collectively. 'I don't think we've had our top performance yet as a group, ' she said. 'We've been building ourselves up. Every game, we've gotten better. 'It's a good sign that we haven't peaked too early, and I think the best is yet to come. ' In a blow for the Matildas, coach Joe Montemurro confirmed Hayley Raso and vice-captain Steph Catley won't play due to concussion protocols. Kick off is 9pm AEDT on Friday night, with live action on Channel 10 and Paramount +.
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