Filipinas bound for play-in after loss to Japan in Asian Cup q'finals

March 16 ------ THE Filipinas lost in their first of three chances to make it to the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 after their 7-0 loss to Japan in the quarterfinals of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup at the Stadium Australia in Sydney.

Philippines second-string goalkeeper Nina Meollo held her own for most of the first half until she conceded a 45th-minute goal from Mina Tanaka. Toko Koga then scored two of her two goals during extra time for a 2-0 Japan lead, and they never looked back in clinching a berth in the Asian Cup semifinals and an outright berth in the Women’s World Cup.

The Filipinas now face Uzbekistan on Thursday in a play-in match with the winner clinching one of the two remaining berths for Asia/Oceania in the FIFA Women’s World Cup to be played in Brazil. The loser of the match will head to the inter-confederation playoffs for one last shot at the World Cup.

A well-rested Olivia McDaniel is expected to be back for the crucial Uzbekistan match. Also scoring for the Japan were Remina Chiba (65th), Manaka Matsukubo (67th), Momoko Tanikawa (86th), and Riko Ueki (90th).

Source: spin.ph