Philippines advanced to their first ever AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022 semi-finals, and make history qualified to FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 first time. After defeating Chinese Taipei 4-3 on penalties shoot-out after their ended 1-1 in extra time in quarter-finals on yesterday.
Philippines, who reverted to their Matchday One lineup, had the first sight on goal in the ninth minute when Sarina Bolden moved onto Sofia Harrison’s through ball, but the forward could only rattle the side netting under heavy Chinese Taipei pressure.
Chinese Taipei were swift with their passes and in one such instance in the 19th minute, Su Yu-Hsuan tested McDaniel before Chen Yen-Ping forced another save out of the goalkeeper in the 23rd minute.
Philippines’ best chance of the first half came in the 37th minute when Bolden curled a cross into the area, but the surging Quinley Quezeda was unable to get her strike on target.
Philippines continued their heavy pressing in the second half and finally cracked the Chinese Taipei defence in the 48th minute when Quezada redirected Katrina Guillou’s header past ‘keeper Cheng Ssu-Yu from close range.
Chinese Taipei immediately switched into a more attacking mode with Chen and Su Sin-Yun leading the charge, but opportunities were far and few in between as Philippines controlled the pace of the game.
Chinese Taipei remained persistent, however, with captain Wang Hsiang-Huei taking a crack on goal following Ting Chi’s cut back into the edge of the box, missing by mere inches.
Their determination was finally rewarded in the 82nd minute when Zhuo Li-Ping stunningly found the top right corner of the net from some 25 yards out for the equaliser to force the match into extra time.
Both teams were visibly tired in extra time, with Chinese Taipei substitute Lin Hsin-Hui coming the closest in the 112th minute, but neither side was able to break the deadlock with McDaniel’s heroics eventually seeing the Philippines prevailing 4-3 on penalties to book their place in the semi-finals and seal a berth in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.
“It’s an unbelievable achievement by the group, and a moment in history for the country, you won’t be able to take that away from the group,” Alen Stajcic Philippines head coach said during post-match press conference.
“For now, every young kid back at home in the Philippines can be inspired to get to the World Cup themselves. The group is really proud of each other, but they’re even more proud to inspire the next generation.”
Credit Photo : The-AFC.com
Source : The-AFC.com