Goalscoring machine Alanna Kennedy and captain Sam Kerr have produced mesmerising strikes to lift the Matildas to a nervy 2-1 victory over North Korea in their Women’s Asian Cup quarter-final in Perth.

In front of 16,466 fans at HBF Park on Friday night, Kennedy struck in the ninth minute for her fifth goal of the tournament before Kerr made it 2-0 in the 47th minute.

World No.9 North Korea dominated for large parts of the match, and pulled a goal back in the 65th minute via Chae Un-Yong.

There were plenty of nervy moments from then on for Australia, with goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold forced to make a series of diving saves, including one from a 38-yard effort from An Kuk-Hyang.

But the 2010 champions were able to hold on, setting up a semi-final encounter against either China or Taiwan at Optus Stadium on Tuesday.

The win also secured Australia direct qualification for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.

Australia unleashed just one shot in the first half - and luckily for the hosts it was a thing of…