Naomi Chinnama scored in the 89th minute to seal the points after Peta Trimis had cancelled out Jeon Yug-yeong’s first half opener for Korea Republic.

The win is a boost to Australia’s semi-final hopes, with Leah Blayney’s side to face Uzbekistan next on Wednesday.
Australia were the first to settle under challenging conditions at the Do’stlik Stadium pitch with Daniela Galic waltzing past her marker at the top of the box in the first minute before seeing her deflected effort saved by Korea Republic keeper Woo Seo-bin.

Korea Republic’s first look at goal came in the 11th minute when Kim Shin-ji struck her free-kick straight into the arms of Australia keeper Chloe Lincoln.A minute later, the Koreans went closer when Won Chae-eun sent the ball through to Park Soo-jeong, whose cross into the box was cleared by Sasha Grove before Kim Jih-yeon could reach the ball.

Korea Republic’s persistence finally bore fruit in the 25th minute when Yug-yeong was in the right place at the right time to pounce on the ball after keeper Lincoln failed to hold on to Shin-ji’s free-kick.

Australia tried to find their way back but the Korean defence held firm to go into the break ahead. Korea Republic kept the pressure on Australia after the restart with Lincoln having to pull off a diving save to deny Park Jea’s headed attempt from inside the six-yard-box in the 48th minute.

Won Chae-eun then had her long range attempt saved at the hour mark before Ko Eun-bin failed to find the target from just above the box.However, Australia equalised in spectacular fashion in the 73rd minute when Lara Gooch sent a well-timed through ball to Trimis, who whizzed her way past two defenders before slotting past Seo-bin.

With just a minute left on the clock, Australia struck the winner after Korea Republic failed to deal with a corner, with Gooch setting up Chinnama to find the back of the net.