Women's Asian Cup 2026: Raso, Catley ruled out, with Matildas prepared for anything against North Korea

Secrecy surrounded the North Korean women's side heading into this Women's Asian Cup. 

But that's nothing new. They've scarcely been seen on the international stage since the 2011 Women's World Cup. 

But where their opening games at the tournament showed their recent dominance at underage level could translate to the seniors, their last group game against China provided even more telling insights. 

When China scored in stoppage time of the first half thanks to a VAR decision, the North Koreans gathered on the sidelines — and refused to return. Eventually, the half-time whistle was blown. 

For all the threats they may pose on the field, the Matildas know they must also prepare for the North Koreans' propensity to use unorthodox tactics to disrupt their opposition. 

"It can be frustrating but I think that's part of football now. As professionals that have played for many years now, I think you are used to it," Matildas captain Sam Kerr said.

"So I think just being ready for it. And it's probably nice to see a little bit of it the other day, based on the fact that we now know what we can expect." 

Kerr is the only current squad member who faced North Korea in the 2010 Asian Cup final and she expects similar characteristics. 

"They like to run a lot, they're aggressive, they never give up," she said.

"Every time we've played them, it's been difficult. They've been aggressive on the front press. They've gone after us. And it's been a tough game. 

"And I think tomorrow, if we're not ready for the battle, it will be a loss for us. But we have to be ready."

Coach Joe Montemurro is nonplussed about any unusual tactics they may face. 

"I suppose the game against China told us a lot. It gave us a bit of an idea of where they're at and how we're going to prepare for it," he said.

"But our preparation really has been focusing on our strengths and what we do well." 

For their part, the North Koreans have promised not to protest again.

"If that kind of situation happens again in tomorrow's match, we will follow the referees, the match official's decision, and respect it," coach Ri Song Ho said through an interpreter.

Raso, Catley out

Winger Hayley Raso missed the Matildas 3-3 draw with South Korea in Sydney due to concussion, and will remain sidelined tomorrow night. 

Vice-captain and left-back Steph Catley is also out, after being concussed in the last game. 

Montemurro had the luxury of bringing Mary Fowler in for Raso, but doesn't necessarily have the same quality of options at the back. 

Courtney Nevin had a mixed showing when given the job in the South Korea game, with Charlie Rule and Kaitlyn Torpey the other potential replacements.  

"We've got enough backup in our squad and we believe in the backup that we've got to come in and make those replacements," Montemurro said.

World Cup spot on the line

There's more than just a semifinal spot up for grabs tomorrow night.

The winner will also secure automatic qualification for next year's World Cup in Brazil, while the loser will go to a play-off game on the Gold Coast.  

The Matildas aren't fixating on that. 

"It's just about winning at all costs and I think we'll get the rewards when we win," Kerr said.

And she's untroubled by any extra pressure the players are facing, with expectations to go deep into the tournament they're hosting, mixed with the memories of early exits from other major tournaments. 

"We've not really talked about the losses, we've talked about the ones we've won," Kerr said.

"I think the girls have brought up the Canada game at the last World Cup, where we had to win to go through [to the knockout stage], and it could have ended in tears that night, but the girls went out there and smashed it. 

"Obviously, you can think about the heartbreak and stuff, but I don't actually think it's valuable in these moments. You need to think of the positives."