The Albany Gazette - Sam Kerr aiming to be at fifth World Cup in 2027 as Australia qualify

Joe Montemurro's side booked their spot at the tournament for a ninth consecutive time by edging North Korea 2-1 on Friday to make the semi-finals of the Women's Asian Cup in Perth.

Chelsea forward Kerr, Australia's most prolific goal-scorer, captained the Matildas to the World Cup semi-finals in 2023 and aims to join an elite group by playing at her fifth in Brazil.

"For us as a footballing team, it's the pinnacle," said 32-year-old Kerr, who scored the winner against North Korea.

"So to put our team there is an amazing feeling.

"Brazil is a footballing nation. What an amazing World Cup to go to. It will be incredible. I hope I'm there. Just the fact that we all get the opportunity to be on the biggest stage is incredible."

Arsenal's Caitlin Foord and Leicester City's Emily van Egmond, both regular first-team starters, are also targeting a fifth World Cup.

The top six finishers at the continental competition in Australia qualify for Brazil.

Montemurro praised his side for soaking up intense pressure from a high-tempo North Korea and taking their chances when they presented themselves.

"They're the best team in the tournament. They really are. They're a great side," he said of the ninth-ranked North Koreans.

"They have their reasons for the way they play. It's very difficult and it's very unpredictable.

"We didn't create much. We had to resist a lot. But it's the way you beat these teams. You have to manage the game in a certain way, and fortunately enough for us, we did it."

Australia's reward is a last four clash in Perth with either defending champions China or Taiwan.

(A.Moore--TAG)