Ikeda: Japan’s focus on semi-finals, not title

Mon, 31 Jan, 2022

Ikeda: Japan’s focus on semi-finals, not title

Navi Mumbai: Despite leading Japan to an empathic 7-0 win over Thailand in the ​​AFC Women's Asian Cup India 2022™ quarter-finals on Sunday, Futoshi Ikeda doesn’t want his players to think of the title but instead focus on the semi-finals. 

Victory at the D.Y. Patil Stadium earned Ikeda’s side a last four date with eight-time winners China PR, and also confirmed their FIFA Women's World Cup Australia/New Zealand 2023 berth.

www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_womens_asian_cup/video/wac2022_-_quarter-final_|_japan_7_-_0_thailand.html

Philippines’ success a result of hard work, says Stajcic

Mon, 31 Jan, 2022

Philippines’ success a result of hard work, says Stajcic

Pune: Head coach Alen Stajcic was ecstatic after the Philippines’ confirmed their spot in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™ semi-finals for the first time, following their win over Chinese Taipei on Sunday. 

There was double celebration as the win meant Stajcic and his charges made more history for the Philippines by clinching a ticket to their maiden FIFA Women’s World Cup, where they will compete against the best in Australia/New Zealand 2023. 

Bell credits strong mentality for Korea Republic’s win

Mon, 31 Jan, 2022

Bell credits strong mentality for Korea Republic’s win

Pune: Korea Republic head coach Colin Bell hailed his side’s determination and mental fortitude in the second half to beat Australia 1-0 in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™ quarter-finals on Sunday. 

It was an intense match from the first blow of the referee’s whistle with Korea Republic on the receiving end of Australia’s aggression. 

The Taeguk Ladies, however, could have taken the lead in the 40th minute after a VAR review awarded them a penalty, but Cho So-hyun shot wide. 

Gustavsson proud of Matildas despite quarter-final heartbreak

Mon, 31 Jan, 2022

Gustavsson proud of Matildas despite quarter-final heartbreak

Pune: Australia may have exited the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™ after falling 1-0 to Korea Republic in the quarter-finals, but head coach Tony Gustavsson had nothing but pride and respect for the work the Matildas produced on Sunday. 

Australia came into the tie with a formidable Group Stage record of 24 goals from three wins, and were very much in control as they recorded 65 percent possession and had double the amount of total shots, but Korea Republic were simply unbeatable on the day. 

Semi-finalists, Playoff teams decided

Mon, 31 Jan, 2022

Semi-finalists, Playoff teams decided

Mumbai: The semi-finalists for the AFC Women's Asian Cup India 2022™ were decided following an exciting day of quarter-final action on Sunday.

Two-time defending champions Japan led the cast for the last four stage with eight-time winners China PR, Korea Republic and the Philippines joining them in Thursday's semi-finals, which also sealed all four sides their places in the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia/New Zealand 2023.

Chinese Taipei, Thailand and Vietnam, meanwhile, will square off in a round robin playoff to determine the fifth team to earn an automatic slot to the FIFA Women's World Cup.