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Japan crush hapless Taiwan at women's Asian Cup

Japan crushed a hapless Taiwan 11-0 yesterday to keep alive their hopes of qualifying for the semi-finals of the women's Asian Cup.

Norio Sasaki’s side completely demolished their opponents with nine of the goals coming in the second half as Taiwan collapsed.

After losing their opening Group B match to South Korea 3-1, three points were essential for Japan, who can still make the last four when they meet Australia in their final game tomorrow.

They took the lead in the 20th minute when Aya Sameshima’s cross into the area landed in the net with the goalkeeper wrong-footed. Japan added another nine minutes later when Michi Goto charged down an attempted clearance and crossed for Rumi Utsugi to rifle home from close range.

The second half was a lopsided affair, with the third goal coming on 51 minutes when Kozue Ando expertly fired home a free-kick from 23m, before Eriko Arakawa beat a defender and slotted the ball in soon after.

Further goals were never far away, with Utsugi drilling in a low effort and substitute Karina Maruyama quickly adding a sixth. The rout continued with another goal in the 76th minute by Goto. Two goals in a minute from Tomoe Kato and Goto again added to Tawainese misery before Maruyama and Yuki Nagasto sealed the emphatic win.

China and North Korea have already qualified for the semi-finals on Thursday.
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