Fan Reactions to Montemurro’s Team Changes
Early feedback indicates strong approval from supporters regarding Montemurro’s adjustments to the lineup.
he's actually being a little serious #wow https://t.co/31PKAgNfyQ
Catley CB and Kyra 10? We might be cooking. #Matildas https://t.co/XOAAl8IJl3
Very good to have 2 stalwarts back, huge experience added to the side. Good timing for Kyra’s return. And Steph’s leadership is critical. Let’s go 💪🇦🇺 https://t.co/vikjtshgmu
KYRA STARTING WE LOVE TO SEE IT https://t.co/E04LYxMZMJ
When you can’t believe that Joe’s actually cooking with this lineup #CHNvAUS #WAC2026 https://t.co/tm86a0UcUi pic.twitter.com/gdRsHCfnAn
Catley at CB claxon. https://t.co/1uRsFEBNEo
Yes I snuck my own tweet in there, sue me.
Matildas Starting XI
The line-ups have been announced, with Montemurro making two changes to the team that secured victory over North Korea.
Steph Catley returns to the starting eleven as anticipated. More unexpectedly, she replaces Wini Heatley to partner Clare Hunt at centre-back. Kaitlyn Torpey, who impressed while deputising at left-back against North Korea, retains her place with a second consecutive start. Ellie Carpenter begins on the right flank.
In midfield, Kyra Cooney-Cross earns her first start of the tournament, taking the place of Emily Van Egmond, who will need to come off the bench to potentially reach a record-setting 170th appearance for the Matildas this evening.
Katrina Gorry and Kennedy maintain their midfield positions, while Sam Kerr, Caitlin Foord, and Mary Fowler continue in the attacking third.
STARTING XI 🗒 Here's how we line up for our semi-final game of #WAC2026 against China PR 👊🔄 We make two changes to the side that beat Korea DPR, with Steph Catley coming into the back-line and Kyra Cooney-Cross making her first start of this tournament. #Matildas #CHNvAUS… pic.twitter.com/8IaixtLHME
Path to the Semi-Final
For those who missed the Matildas’ journey to this stage, it may be better for nervous supporters to have done so. Joe Montemurro’s team had to endure a defensive battle against North Korea.
Match report from Sam Lewis, reporting live from Perth:
In the context of tournament football, of course, it doesn’t matter how you win games. It’s important to always keep that in mind when we’re analysing games.
But the victory over the North Koreans was an interesting one in that it simultaneously postponed an intensification of discourse surrounding the team’s move into a new era under Montemurro and, in avoiding elimination in the quarterfinals for the second-straight tournament, gave it the much needed space it needs to occur, as well as removed the scope bad actors to hijack the conversation.
Preview of the Semi-Final Opponent
China presents a formidable challenge, bolstered by Australian insiders, making Tuesday night’s semi-final at Perth Stadium the Matildas’ toughest test in the Women’s Asian Cup so far.
Jack Snape offers a preview of tonight’s match:
Howdy all, and welcome to ’s penultimate minute-by-minute of the Women’s Asian Cup, tonight bringing you all the action as Australia face off with China at Perth Stadium, with both sides looking to punch their tickets to Saturday’s final.
Can the Matildas succeed? They finished second in Group A after a thrilling 3-3 draw with South Korea and narrowly secured a 2-1 win over North Korea in the quarterfinals. Now, a chance at silverware is just 90 minutes away, or possibly 120 minutes plus penalties.
A spot in the #WAC2026 Final is on the line! 🏆🌏⚽:
#CHNvAUS
⏰: 6pm AWST | 9:00pm AEDT
🏟: @OptusStadium
🎟️ Tickets: https://t.co/jrlpQFZcu2
📺💻📱: LIVE on 10, @10FootballAU & @ParamountPlusAU
📻: ABC Radio via the ABC Listen App
#Matildas #HowWeWaltz #TilitsDone… pic.twitter.com/1P7jcwaxRq
Significance of the Match
For a golden generation of players—excluding 2010 champion Sam Kerr—a first trophy in green and gold is tantalizingly close. Two of the most celebrated players, Steph Catley and Hayley Raso, have been declared fit to play after missing the quarter-finals due to concussion.
The stage is set for a new hero to emerge, perhaps surprise talisman Alanna Kennedy, whose powerful goal against North Korea set the team on the path to victory. Kennedy, a converted centre-back, currently leads the golden boot race as a defensive midfielder.
However, the Matildas face the defending champions, coached by a familiar figure: Ante Milicic, who led Australia to the 2019 Women’s World Cup and now aims to defeat his former team as head of the Steel Roses.
An intriguing contest awaits. Kick-off is scheduled for 6pm local time / 9pm AEDT.
