Ruthless Japan crushed the Philippines 7-0 yesterday to book a Women’s Asian Cup semi-final with South Korea and close in on a third continental title.
The dominant victory at Stadium Australia in Sydney ensures their presence at a 10th consecutive World Cup in Brazil next year.
Japan are the only Asian country to have won the World Cup, in 2011. They were runners-up four years later.
Photo: AFP
Currently ranked no. 8, the highest at the Asian Cup, they were a class above with two goals in three minutes late in the first half opening the floodgates. Tottenham defender Toko Koga collected a brace with Mina Tanaka, Remina Chiba, Manaka Matsukubo, Momoko Tanikawa and Riko Ueki scoring as well.
Japan have blasted a tournament-high 24 goals and conceded none.
“They didn’t really challenge our defenders and we were in complete control,” Japan coach Greenlander Nils Nielsen said. “It’s always nice to score a lot of goals and for the players to show what they can do.”
It set up a last-four clash in Sydney on Wednesday against an equally ominous-looking South Korea, who crushed Uzbekistan 6-0 to progress.
“So 24 goals, I wasn’t even aware of that, but I knew we had scored a lot, and that’s nice,” Nielsen added. “We will be ready to play South Korea. We have good relations with them, so it’s an interesting, fun match for the players.”
Japan were unrelenting, launching waves of first-half attacks without being able to penetrate a solid Philippines defence and the safe hands of young goalkeeper Nina Meollo.
They had to wait until the 45th minute to open their account when Tanaka headed in from close range after a goalmouth scramble.
With the Philippines rattled, Koga added the second deep in stoppage time, rising above the defence to connect with Honoka Hayashi’s corner.
The next half was played almost exclusively in Philippines territory.
The third goal arrived when Eintracht Frankfurt striker Chiba rifled into the left corner before Matsukubo showed deft touch to skip past two defenders and score two minutes later.
Koga added the fifth with her head and Tanikawa and Ueki piled on the misery late on.
Despite the defeat not all is lost for the Philippines, who move to a play-off game against Uzbekistan and qualify for Brazil should they win. Taiwan takes on North Korea in the second play-off.
China says ‘no fear’
Australia face defending champions China in the other semi-final in Perth tomorrow.
China coach Ante Milicic declared his team has no fear of facing hosts Australia in front of a big crowd in their Women’s Asian Cup semi-final, calling them “resilient and patriotic.”
The defending champions meet Sam Kerr’s Matildas at the 60,000-capacity Perth Stadium after needing extra-time to edge Taiwan 2-0 in their last eight clash on Saturday despite being raging favorites.
Australia booked their spot in the final four a day earlier with a testing 2-1 win over North Korea.
Facing the hosts in front of their home fans might be nerve-wracking, but Milicic — who is Australian — said he was confident in his players’ mentality.
“These players are unfazed playing in front of opposing crowds — their mentality as a nation is incredibly strong,” said the 51-year-old, who coached the Matildas at the 2019 Women’s World Cup.
“They are not afraid of anyone and in fact that could even work to our advantage,” Milicic said. “These players are resilient and patriotic and I see it every day. I would back these girls against any opponent.”
China are bidding for a record-extending 10th continental title and have to get past Australia without star player Wang Shuang.
She picked up a yellow card for the second straight match against Taiwan and has been ruled out.
“Even without Wang Shuang, it doesn’t bother us,” Milicic said of the former Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham striker.
“Wang Shuang has been excellent for us throughout this tournament. “I’ve been head coach for two years and of course losing her is a blow but at the same time, this tournament is about 26 players and it’s an opportunity for someone else to showcase their talent against Australia.”
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