Player ratings: Sam Kerr on fire while star 'struggled again' in win over North Korea

The Matildas have secured their spot in the Asian Cup semi finals after defeating North Korea 2-1 on Friday night.

Not only that, but the win also books their ticket for the 2027 FIFA World Cup as they now receive automatic qualification.

While it wasn't a clinical win, they got the job done thanks to two outstanding goals and some great keeping.

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

Mackenzie Arnold - 7

Made some smart saves to preserve the Matildas' slender lead as she showed her leadership from the back once again.

Struggled at times with her distribution, but will take confidence from her solid handling throughout the contest.

Winonah Heatley - 6

Defended resolutely at the heart of the Matildas defence as Korea DPR piled the pressure on in the second half in pursuit of an equalizer.

Clare Hunt - 6.5

Was a rock for the Matildas at the back as her composure helped the Matildas soak up the pressure from Korea DPR. Will need to be at her best again in the semi-final if they are to make a home Asian Cup final.

Kaitlyn Torpey - 6.5

Was impressive in her first Asian Cup appearance defending diligently against a Korea DPR team who asked plenty of questions of the Matildas. Looked to get forward when possible and will take huge confidence from her performance.

Emily Van-Egmond - 4.5

Struggled to impose herself in the Matildas midfield as her physical presence did little to curb the control that Korea DPR enjoyed for much of the contest.

Caitlin Foord - 5

Struggled again with her touch and decision making in the attacking third. Tracked back and helped defensively when needed and showed some nice touches in the second half but Montemurro and the Matildas will be hoping there is much more to come from one of their most important attacking players.

Mary Fowler - 5

Was hardly sighted in a game which seemed to pass her by as the Matildas struggled to maintain possession. Showed glimpses in the second half, but was well contained by Korea DPR.

Alanna Kennedy - 6

Scored a fantastic goal to open the scoring for the Matildas and looked again to provide a defensive shield for the back four. Struggled with the movement of the Korea DPR players at times, but again showed her importance to the team with her 5th goal of the tournament.

Katrina Gorry - 5.5

Worked tirelessly as she looked to close the space the Korea DPR players were able to operate in. Forced a mistake which led to the Matildas second goal but struggled to maintain possession in a tightly fought midfield.

Sam Kerr - 7.5

The best player on the pitch for the Matildas as her closing from the front led to Kennedys goal while she jumped on another Korea DPR mistake early in the second half to slam home her 3rd goal of the tournament.

Found herself isolated up front at times, but never stopped working for the team.

Ellie Carpenter - 6.5

Was unable to push forward with as much regularity as Korea DPR pushed the Matildas back for much of the game. Was defensively sound and showcased a maturity which helped guide the Matildas through to the last four.

Substitutes

Clare Wheeler - 5

Brought much needed energy to the midfield when introduced as she helped the Matildas see the game out.

Amy Sayer - 5

Nearly grabbed a third for the Matildas as she was inches away from latching onto a cross deep into the second half. Gave new energy to the midfield helping the Matildas hold on.

Michelle Heyman, Kyra Cooney-Cross and Charlize Rule came on for the final minutes of the game.