Taiwan coach Prasobchoke Chokemor yesterday was focused on his side’s preparations for today’s quarter-final against China at the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women’s Asian Cup in Australia, steering clear of a controversial incident in the stands earlier this week.
“We can say we did well against Japan, holding them to a 0-0 draw in the first half,” Chokemor told a pre-match news conference in Perth.
Taiwan went on to lose 2-0 against strongly fancied Japan in the group phase, but were by no means outclassed.
Photo: EPA
Today “will be a different game tactically, but we are confident we can compete against top-level players if we stay focused on ourselves and fight as a team,” the Thai added.
At stake is not only a semi-finals berth, but also 2027 World Cup qualification, with the top six finishers booking their tickets to the Brazil showpiece.
Taiwan have enjoyed strong support at the tournament in Australia, but it has not been without controversy.
Photo: AFP
During their game against India in Sydney, former Taiwan player and coach Chen Kuei-jen was ejected from the stadium for leading a “Taiwan jiayou,” or “go Taiwan,” chant.
His removal sparked a protest to the AFC from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs over “unequal treatment.”
Meanwhile, China coach Ante Milicic urged his players to remain “calm and confident” in today’s game.
The reigning champions are targeting a record-extending 10th continental title, but are wary of opponents who have improved as the tournament has progressed.
“They gave Japan a very difficult game and then went on to win their next two matches, so we know this will be a tough proposition, but if we execute our game plan and perform to the level we know we can, that should be enough for us to get the result,” Milicic said.
“If we follow a clear process, remain calm and confident and take it one game at a time, we can be successful and hopefully go further in the tournament,” he added.
The first quarter-final was last night, with hosts Australia defeating North Korea 2-1.
South Korea face Uzbekistan in the third shortly after the Taiwan-China clash, while Japan take on the Philippines tomorrow.
Additional reporting by staff writer
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