Playoff: Chinese Taipei beat Thailand to set up Vietnam showdown

Sat, 05 Feb, 2022

Playoff: Chinese Taipei beat Thailand to set up Vietnam showdown

Navi Mumbai: Chinese Taipei defeated Thailand 3-0 in the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia/New Zealand playoff at the D.Y. Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Friday.

The three points mean Chinese Taipei's tie against Vietnam on Sunday will be a showdown for the sole automatic qualifying slot to Australia/New Zealand 2023.

Thailand's FIFA Women's World Cup hopes now depend on them navigating the Inter-Confederation playoffs. 

Shui: Determination, self belief took China PR past Japan

Fri, 04 Feb, 2022

Shui: Determination, self belief took China PR past Japan

Pune: Head coach Shui Qingxia praised her players' determination and self belief after China PR came from behind twice to defeat Japan in their epic AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™ semi-final on Thursday.

Xiao Yuyi drew China PR level a minute into the second half,  cancelling out Riko Ueki’s opener, while Wang Shanshan netted their second equaliser in the final minute of extra time to force a penalty shootout.

It was then goalkeeper Yu Zhu’s moment to shine as she saved two penalties before the talismanic Wang Shanshan converted China PR’s fifth spot-kick to send her team through to the final against Korea Republic on Sunday.

Hard work and concentration key to Korea Republic’s semi-final success, says Bell

Fri, 04 Feb, 2022

Hard work and concentration key to Korea Republic’s semi-final success, says Bell

Pune: Head coach Colin Bell was brimming with joy after Korea Republic beat the Philippines in their AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™ semi-final tie on Thursday, and hailed his charges’ for their total commitment and concentration.

Two first half goals from Cho So-hyun and Son Hwa-yeon proved enough for Korea Republic to book their first-ever appearance in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup final.

Ikeda laments Japan’s off day

Fri, 04 Feb, 2022

Ikeda laments Japan’s off day

Pune: Head coach Futoshi Ikeda couldn’t hide his disappointment following Japan’s 4-3 defeat on penalties to China PR in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™ semi-final on Thursday.

Riko Ueki hit a brace but China PR equalised twice to force penalties, with Japan seeing two of their spot-kicks saved before Wang Shanshan converted the fifth to send her team through to the final against Korea Republic on Sunday.

The defeat meant Japan’s quest for a third consecutive AFC Women’s Asian Cup crown came to an end in heartbreaking fashion.

Stajcic: Philippines are only just starting

Fri, 04 Feb, 2022

Stajcic: Philippines are only just starting

Pune: Philippines' AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™ adventure may have come to an end after falling 2-0 to Korea Republic in Thursday’s semi-finals but head coach Alen Stajcic believes the experience his players have gained will give them confidence to compete against the world’s best. 

Appearing in their first-ever AFC Women’s Asian Cup semi-final, Philippines suffered the worst of starts with Cho So-hyun heading in a fourth minute goal, before Son Hwa-yeon doubled the Koreans’ lead in the 34th minute. 

The Philippines were able to hold out against the aggressive Taeguk Ladies after that but couldn’t muster a comeback.