Defending champion China scored twice in overtime to advance to Saturday’s Women’s Asian Cup semi-finals against hosts Australia, where South Korea, which dominated the semi-finals, also advanced to the semi-finals.
In the match against Perth, the diligent Shao Ziqin scored a wonderful shot from the right corner in the 94th minute. With Chen Yinghui’s own goal, the Chinese team defeated the Taiwan team 2-0.
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It keeps their bid for a record 10th title on track and the win also secures direct qualification for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.
2022 World Cup runners-up South Korea secured their qualification for the World Cup with a 6-0 victory over Uzbekistan in Sydney.
They will face either Japan or the Philippines in Wednesday’s semifinals.
China will face the Matildas on Tuesday but will be without star midfielder Wang Shuang, who picked up a yellow card for the second straight game.
“Of course, she is the loser. Others will have a chance,” said China head coach Ante Milicic.
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“These girls are very resilient. I will support my girls against any opponent.”
The quarter-finals had political overtones given China’s sovereignty over the self-ruled island of Taiwan, which competes in international sporting events under the name “Chinese Taipei”.
This is part of a compromise with China that allows them to compete in major competitions without presenting themselves as sovereign nations.
The audience of 5,238 was divided into different fan groups, although Taiwanese fans were more vocal.
Some flag-waving Chinese fans wore jerseys with “China is my faith” written on the back.
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Like China, the Taiwanese team enjoyed strong support at the tournament, but controversy erupted in the stands during the final game in Sydney.
Former Taiwan head coach Chen Guiren was expelled from the stadium for shouting “Taiwan Jiayu” or “Come on Taiwan”.
There didn’t appear to be a repeat on Saturday.
“They gave their all on the court and showed how strong their hearts are,” current Taiwan head coach Prasoobchok Chokmore said of his team.
“I tell them, you don’t need to be sad, you don’t need to cry.”
In Sydney, Son Hwa-yeon opened things up for South Korea in the ninth minute and Ko Yoo-jin scored the second just before the break to create a one-sided game.
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Park Soo-jung, Ji So-yeon, Lee Eun-young, and Jang Seul-ki scored in the second half against Uzbekistan. This is also the first time for the team to participate in the European Cup knockout rounds.
Despite the defeat, Taiwan and Uzbekistan still have a chance to qualify for the World Cup.
They join North Korea and the loser of Sunday’s game against the Philippines in the playoffs.
The winners of these two competitions will also automatically qualify for the Global Showcase.
TL-MP/ABS
