03/14/26 03:09:00
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03/14 03:05 CDT China advances to the Women's Asian Cup semifinals with a 2-0
extra-time win over Taiwan
China advances to the Women's Asian Cup semifinals with a 2-0 extra-time win
over Taiwan
PERTH, Australia (AP) --- Defending champions China defeated Taiwan 2-0 in the
Women's Asian Cup quarterfinals on Saturday to book a semifinal against host
Australia and a place at the 2027 World Cup.
After 90 minutes ended goalless in a match involving c ountries with
geopolitical tensions, Shao Ziqin finally broke the deadlock three minutes into
extra time before a late own goal sealed a deserved win for the dominant
Chinese team.
On Friday, Sam Kerr scored one goal and created another as Australia advanced
and secured a World Cup spot with a 2-1 win over North Korea.
South Korea faced Uzbekistan later Saturday in another quarterfinal at Sydney.
On Sunday, Japan heads into the final quarterfinal against the Philippines,
also in Sydney, with three wins from three games and a tournament-leading 17
goals without conceding.
The semifinals are set for Tuesday and Wednesday with the final to be played
next Saturday in Sydney.
World Cup spots
All four semifinalists at the Women's Asian Cup qualify automatically for next
year's World Cup in Brazil.
The North Koreans will have another shot at qualifying for the World Cup in a
playoff next Thursday in Australia --- the fifth- and sixth-place teams in this
continental tournament will also secure spots in Brazil.
The end of the group stage earlier in the week was overshadowed by Iran's
departure from the tournament and the granting of asylum to members of the
delegation.
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