The Philippines scored twice in five minutes to beat Uzbekistan 2-0 in the women’s Asian Cup play-offs on Thursday to advance to next year’s World Cup in Brazil.
On Australia’s Gold Coast, Angela Beard scored a volley in the 47th minute and Jaclyn Sawicki added another goal with a header to give her team a second chance at the global competition.
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Australia, China, Japan and South Korea also qualified for Brazil by qualifying for the Asian Cup semi-finals.
Later Thursday, North Korea will face Taiwan in another playoff game between the quarterfinal teams for the final spot.
Uzbekistan has never participated in a World Cup but still has one last chance to advance via the continental play-offs, where two extra tickets will be made available.
The Philippines, ranked 40th in the world, have been on the rise in recent years under Australian coach Mark Torcaso, winning gold at the Southeast Asian Games last year.
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In 2023, they compete in the World Cup for the first time, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
Then, led by another Australian, Alen Stajcic, they won one game and lost two, finishing bottom of the group.
Australia and Japan will meet in the Asia Cup final on Saturday.
MP/PST
