The Matildas, Australia's national women's football team, are gearing up to face South Korea in their final group game at the Women's Asian Cup, needing a win to secure the top position in Group A. The match is significant not just for the standings but also in the context of women's football in Asia, where many teams and players are still fighting for basic rights and recognition. ABC Sport is providing live coverage of the event, reflecting the growing interest in women's sports in Australia.

Historically, the Matildas have had to fight for their rights, famously striking in 2015 to demand better pay and conditions from Football Australia, which was a pivotal moment that highlighted the inequalities they faced. This strike, which lasted two months, resulted in significant changes in their working conditions and paved the way for greater visibility and respect for women's football in Australia. The current landscape for the Matildas is much improved, with more support and recognition from the football community and the public.

In contrast, the South Korean women's football team, who are also competing in the Women’s Asian Cup, are still at the beginning of their fight for equality in sports. They have threatened to boycott matches due to poor treatment and lack of support, indicating that while the Matildas have made advancements, their counterparts in other nations are still grappling with the basic elements of professional sports. This highlights the uneven progress within women's football across Asia, and the Matildas hope to set a precedent that will benefit teams like South Korea in their struggle for respect and equality.