The Westfield Young Matildas have lost the second match against Korea Republic at the KFA Training Centre in Seoul. The home side proved too strong winning 3-1.

Two goals within a minute midway through the second half gave Korea the edge, which they never looked likely to relinquish against a spirited Australian side.

Australian coach Alen Stajcic made a host of changes to the starting side, true to his word that he was going to give everyone a good run during the two games.

Korea took the lead in the 15th minute and held till half time, with Ashleigh Sykes leveling it up in the 61st minute after getting on the end of a Sam Kerr cross.

But just seven minutes later, Korea had retaken the lead with an excellent shot from a free kick and a minute later went two ahead after capitalising a quick break as Australia pressed forward.

Korea had all the early running with the Australian team taking a while to get into the match.

In the 15th minute they duly took the lead when Ji Soyun scored with a solid finish from 15 metres out.

Australia was guilty of turning the ball over too easily and putting pressure on themselves, with the Koreans looking especially dangerous on the counter.

The first real chance for Australia came after 27 minutes; Ruth Blackburn’s shot from in front safely held by the Korean keeper.

Sian McLaren was the busier of the two keepers though and took some good takes under pressure and also making an excellent diving save in the 36th minute.

Australia was starting to look more dangerous at the start of the second half and in the 61st minute were duly rewarded with a goal, Sykes finishing off a good move that involved Jessica Seaman playing a great ball in behind the defence for Kerr and her cross found Sykes, who controlled the ball into the back of the net.

This seemed to spark the home side and in the 68th minute Kim Narae directed a 25 metre free kick that beat the wall and scraped inside of right post.

It was effectively game over a minute later, when a slick counter attack ended with Kong Hyewon miskicking a cross, but the ball effectively bobbled over a diving Nikola Dieter.

To Australia’s credit they came storming back with Angela Fimmano and Seaman going close with late chances.

The girls now head to Wuhan, China for the AFC U19 Women’s Championship where Australia will play Japan (August 1), China (August 3) and Chinese Taipei (August 5),

Coach Alen Stajcic was pleased despite the loss.

"We made nine changes which caused a fair bit of disruption in first half and we were easily outplayed, lucky to be only 1-0 down at half time.

"The second half was outstanding, we dominated the game and after getting back to 1-1 should have won, but two naïve errors cost us the game.

"It's pleasing to see how we can match and dominate top Asian sides, we just need the scoreboard to reflect our performance," he added.