New Delhi, March 14 -- Sam Kerr scored one goal and created another as Australia advanced to the Women's Asian Cup semifinals and secured a World Cup spot with a 2-1 win Friday over North Korea.

The three-time champion North Koreans had almost two-thirds of possession and played at a high tempo to keep the Australians unsettled, but weren't able to convert their glut of scoring opportunities into more goals against a stubborn Matildas' defense.

The North Koreans had 21 shots at goal and 10 on target but couldn't capitalize. Australia turned its only two shots on target into goals.

Kerr played a key role in both.

In the ninth minute, the Chelsea forward poached possession from opposing captain An Kuk Hyang deep in the right corner and ...