Live: Depleted Matildas face South Korea in opening friendly

Former Matildas veteran Elise Kellond-Knight said Australia are taking quite a ‘conservative approach’, which isn’t surprising given the youth in the side.

However, she added on 10 that this has resulted in few on-goal chances.

Kellond-Knight also said for aerial advantage, the Matildas really only had Alanna Kennedy for height and would love to see Michelle Heyman subbed in for the second half.

The Matildas will be searching for that clinical finish that’s been lacking so far, and they’ll want a result from this one to help with the confidence after a disappointing SheBelieves Cup campaign in February.

Mary Fowler has spent the first half on the bench – will we see her come out early in the second to dial up the strike power?

Michelle Heyman and Kaitlyn Torpey are also waiting in the wings.

If you look closely, you can just see one of her shin pads poking out the top of her sock.

It was a shame to see Holly McNamara go down just before half time, hopefully she’ll be ok to return in the second half.

She’s been making a positive impact in this game – with her pace a real asset.

Australia started well and controlled the tempo of the match for the opening 20 minutes.

Then South Korea worked their way into the match and started to create opportunities to score.

Holly McNamara has looked fierce, particularly in teaming up with Cailtin Foord, while the new look foursome in defence have been a hard block for South Korea to pick apart.

All in all, not a bad opening half from either side.

AUS 0-0 KOR, after 48 minutes

Holly McNamara is in a fair amount of discomfort after colliding with Lim Seonjoo, who was fouled for the action.

It was an aggressive challenge, with Seonjoo tumbling over McNamara.

AUS 0-0 KOR, after 45 minutes

Wow, that was the best opportunity so far for the Matildas, right now on the cusp of half-time.

Cailtin Foord streamed towards goal but Kim Minjung stretched and saved.

Three extra minutes added this half.

AUS 0-0 KOR, after 45 minutes

That would by rugby, NRL games and A-League matches.

Australia are holding shape well but South Korea are making moves.

Choe Yuri had a cross in but Teagan Micah jumped the ball.

It’s been a good last 15 minutes for South Korea but neither side have been able to find a way to penetrate either opponents’ defence.

AUS 0-0 KOR, after 39 minutes

Holly McNamara and Cailtin Foord shared the ball back and forth as they tried to find a way through their opponents’ defence.

McNamara sent the ball towards the net but it looped in the air and the South Korean goalkeeper grabbed it with ease.

AUS 0-0 KOR, after 34 minutes

South Korea are looking more threatening now.

Teagan Micah has just made her second save of the evening, while the Matildas’ defence have been making blocks.

Those were some half-decent opportunities for South Korea.

AUS 0-0 KOR, after 32 minutes

Teagan Micah rightly received a huge applause for her first save of the evening.

The ball was launched at the net from a good distance by Ji Soyun – and at pace – but Micah didn’t flinch.

AUS 0-0 KOR, after 30 minutes

The ABC Sport team of Ned Hall, Alicia Ferguson and Pokuah Frimpong is calling this match, you can follow along on the ABC Listen app – via the ABC Sport Extra button.

Ferguson says the Matildas need to be patient after dominating the early stages.

“We’ve definitely had the momentum in the first part of the first half,” she said.

“This is where the Matildas need to control the play and tempo without slowing it down too much.”

That was looking like it would be South Koreans first chance at scoring.

The Matildas defence, who have been doing well so far, looked stretched as South Korea tried to find an opening, but it was cleared.

After 28 minutes

Ok, and breath. It’s looking ok for Caitlin Foord, who is now up and about (although with tissues in her nose to stem the bleeding).

After 23 minutes

Mary Fowler, Kaitlyn Torpey and Michelle Heyman have all been asked to warm up, while Tom Sermanni had a big chat with captain Steph Catley.

There is blood coming from Caitlin Foord nose, and you’d imagine a concussion test is in order.

Play has resumed.

After 20 minutes

Oh, that’s not a good sight for Matildas fans.

Medical assistance has been called for the star player after she clashed heads with Choe Yuri.

Play has briefly stopped.

After 20 minutes

Teagan Micah has had her first bit of work tonight, collecting the ball as it fell into her mits before Matildas got back the possession.

It’s now back in Australia’s attacking half.

There’s been a few good moments from the Matildas, including a great corner from Steph Catley, but they haven’t found the net yet.

After 19 minutes

Wow, Tameka Yallop shot from range – an ambitious attempt – but it was saved.

Matildas are playing aggressively.

After 14 minutes

Australia have started well and created a few early opportunities. They haven’t been able to break through yet for a real chance to score, but it’s not looking unlikely.

After 11 minutes