Matildas vs. North Korea: Rematch in Perth

0:00from Sydney. This is your March 12th update. In 2007, the Australian women's soccer team, the Matilda's, traveled to Pyongyang, North Korea, for an Olympic qualifier ahead of the Beijing Games. They flew from Beijing, leaving most gear behind due to strict border checks. The city streets felt eerily empty on the way in, but the stadium packed with over 30,000 fans for the match. North Korea won 2-0, showcasing their dominance in women's soccer at the time. The trip was full of strange moments. At the hotel, tables were set for a huge banquet, but no one else was around. Power outages trapped players and elevators, forcing them to climb out in the dark. TV showed only dull programming, and everything had a uniform gray look. Once heading to the game, though, crowds suddenly appeared everywhere, lining the streets and filling the arena hours early. Players like former Captain Melissa Barbieri felt real unease from the restrictions and the hostile vibe. The fans laughed at Australian mistakes in ways

1:03that fell mocking, unlike any crowd she'd known. North Korea's team played with intense confidence and fitness, built from years of state investment in youth programs and schools. It left the Matilda's intimidated on the pitch. North Korea ruled Asian women's soccer back then, winning multiple titles and setting goal records. But in 2011, a doping scandal with five players sidelined them from major tournaments for years. Their senior team faded, though junior squads kept succeeding. Now, those young stars are fueling a comeback. North Korea topped their group at the current Asian cup with convincing wins. They faced the Matilda's again in Friday's quarter final in Perth, a rematch echoing that 2007 clash with Australia hungry for payback lead by veteran Sam Kerr. Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this episode. Head in, sound on, lights out. That is the routine, S-O-L-I-SOLIPILO.com.