This was published 7 months ago

Finally, the Matildas are over the hump of an Asian Cup quarter-final. The ghosts of 2022 have been exorcised – even if they took the trickier route.

A stronger performance against South Korea on Sunday could have sealed top spot in their group and set up a straightforward meeting with world No.49 Uzbekistan. Instead, that disjointed outing in Sydney relegated them to runners-up and meant a trip back to Perth for a make-or-break challenge against world No.9 North Korea.

Sam Kerr and Michelle Heyman celebrate Friday night’s quarter-final win. AP

Goals from Alanna Kennedy and Sam Kerr closed out a nervy, gritty 2-1 win at HBF Park that drives Joe Montemurro’s side to within two games of an elusive major trophy.

“Games like this, they make you believe,” Montemurro said.…