Perth, Mar. 2: Star striker Sam Kerr hit the target as Australia made an unconvincing start to the Women's Asian Cup on Sunday with a 1-0 win over a gallant Philippines in front of a record crowd at Perth Stadium.

The Chelsea forward opened the hosts' account in the 14th minute, but that was as good as it got despite dominating possession.

It was not the clinical performance they were looking for -- the last time the teams met in 2023, Australia won 8-0.

Victory nevertheless ensured three points in Group A as the Matildas began their mission to win the 12-team continental title for the first time since 2010.

"Everyone comes here to win, but we're just taking it one game at a time," said Kerr of their chances of winning the title.

"Today was a good start and there's lots of belief within the team. But there's a lot of quality teams in the Asian Cup, so you have to take one game at a time."

After the 44,379-strong crowd -- a record for the Women's Asian Cup -- was warmed up by American singer Audrey Nuna of "KPop Demon Hunters" fame, big cheers greeted the players when they emerged onto the pitch.

South Korea and Iran, who face each other on the Gold Coast on Monday, are also in their group.

Iran prepared 

Football chiefs offered "full support and assistance" to the Iranian team in Australia Sunday for the Women's Asian Cup after the United States and Israel launched massive attacks on their homeland.

Iran's 26-strong squad arrived on the Gold Coast days before the strikes on Saturday killed supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as Washington and Tel Aviv seek to topple the Islamic republic.

They are due to open their tournament on Monday against South Korea.

The Asian Football Confederation said in a statement it "continues to closely monitor the recent developments in the Middle East during this challenging period".

"The AFC's foremost priority remains the welfare, safety and security of all players, coaches, officials and fans," it added.

"In this regard, we are in close and regular contact with the Iran women's national team and officials on the Gold Coast and are offering our full support and assistance."

During a pre-match press conference on Sunda, Iran head coach Marziyeh Jafari declined comment on the military strikes or death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. "I don't think we should talk about these matters at all right now," Jafari said in comments translated to English. "There's a team here for a very important competition that matters to these women and I think those should be the questions."

Iran coach Marziyeh Jafari stuck to football, saying the tournament was a chance to show "the potential of Iranian women".

"After the league season in Iran, we came together for three training camps, before coming to Australia where we have had a few fruitful sessions, so I hope tomorrow we can show you a good match," she said.

Iran showed grit to come through a challenging qualifying campaign for Australia that culminated with a win against favourites Jordan to seal back-to-back appearance.

Skipper Zahra Ghanbari said she was dreaming big. 

"I believe this tournament is great with great teams, but we really want to qualify for the World Cup," said the 33-year-old.

"We know these will be tough games, but we have a tough mentality and we want to do our best."

The top six finishers will qualify for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.

AFC West Region CL postponed

The Asian Football Confederation has postponed continental club championship playoffs scheduled in the Middle East this week in response to the U.S. and Israel attacks on Iran. 

Soccer's Asian governing body issued a statement Sunday saying the AFC Champions League Elite Round of 16 games scheduled for Monday and Tuesday in the West Region will be rescheuled.

The AFC Champions League 2 and AFC Challenge League quarterfinals scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday in the West zone will also be postponed. No new dates have been set.

Cristiano Ronaldo's Saudi club Al-Nassr is among the teams involved in the Asian Champions League Two competition.

Matches in the East Region across all of the AFC's continental championships will continue as scheduled, organizers said.

"The AFC will continue to closely monitor this rapidly evolving situation and remains resolute in ensuring the safety and security of all players, teams, officials, and fans," the AFC said in a statement.

At a scheduled pre-game news conference Sunday on the Gold Coast in Queensland state, (AFP)