Matildas player ratings: Sam Kerr forced to fight for 'scraps', Mary Fowler 'faded' during tough draw

The Matildas couldn't quite get the win they needed over South Korea on Sunday night to finish on top of Group A, playing out a 3-3 draw.

Consequently, a trip to Perth awaits to face either China or North Korea.

Wide World of Sports has rated every Australian player from the match in Sydney.

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Mackenzie Arnold - 7

Was solid when called upon in her first start of the tournament. Would have been disappointed to be beaten for the Koreans' third, but will be better for the match time as the Matildas enter the knockout rounds.

Winonah Heatley - 5

Struggled in possession as her loose touch led to the opening goal of the match for the Koreans. Will learn from the experience in her first Asian Cup.

Clare Hunt - 5

Unusually lax in possession with her usual composure on the ball deserting her. Was positionally sound but will need to lift her all-round game in the knockout rounds.

Clare Wheeler - 5.5

Provided her usual high-energy performance as she looked to press and harass the Korean midfield. Was unable to push forward with as much regularity as she looked to provide a solid base in front of the Matildas back line. 

Steph Catley - N/A

Was taken off due to concussion after being struck in the head early.

Caitlin Foord - 5.5

Struggled with her final ball and finishing after she blazed a glorious chance over the bar from an Ellie Carpenter cut-back. Produced one moment of top quality when she burst forward and laid on the ball for Sam Kerr to finish. 

Mary Fowler - 6

Began the game slowly as the Koreans looked to impose their physical style. Injected herself midway through the first half as she produced a scuffed shot which led to the opener for the Matildas, while sliding an outstanding through ball for Kerr who blazed her shot over. Faded in the second half as the game became more stretched. 

Alanna Kennedy - 7.5

Was the Matildas' best as she scored twice while providing solid defensive cover. Looked to play forward whenever possible and is shaping as a key part for the Matildas in their pursuit of Asian Cup glory.

Katrina Gorry - 5.5

Was full of running as she covered every blade of grass in the heart of the Matildas midfield. Struggled to maintain possession ,though, as the mobile Korean midfield overwhelmed the Matildas at times.

Sam Kerr - 6.5

Scored a superb goal after latching onto a Foord lay-off to put the Matildas ahead at half-time. Was a constant threat to the Korean defence in the first half and should probably have had two after she hit her shot high and wide after running onto a Fowler defence-splitting pass. Fed off scraps in the second half as the Matildas got increasingly desperate as they chased the game.

Ellie Carpenter - 7

Was one of the Matildas' best as her lung-busting runs and constant energy down the right-hand side created issues for the Korean defence. Her ability to inject herself into the Matildas attack gave Montemurro's team an extra dimension at times, while she performed her defensive duties diligently.

Substitutes 

Courtney Nevin (18th) - 4.5

Came on early in the first half as she replaced Catley at left back. Struggled at times defensively, giving away a second-half penalty. Was unable to inject herself into the Matildas attack down the left-hand side.

Amy Sayer (70th) - 3

Was unable to involve herself in the game as it became stretched and frantic with the Matildas chasing a win to take them top of the group. 

Emily Van-Egmond (83rd) - N/A

Kyra Cooney-Cross (83rd) - N/A

Squad members who did not take to the field: Jamilla Rankin, Kaitlyn Torpey, Chloe Lincoln, Alexandra Chidiac, Kahli Johnson, Morgan Aquino, Michelle Heyman, Charlize Rule, Holly Mcnamara, Remy Siemsen