Sydney: Two-time champion Japan found creative ways to score and turned back the Philippines, 7-0, on Sunday at the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup quarterfinals at Accor Stadium in Sydney, Australia.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Filipinas' defensive line held until the five-minute added time in the first half, with rookie goalie Nina Meollo coming up with 10 saves. The victory secured Japan a place in the semifinals alongside defending champion China, Australia, and South Korea. All four teams have also claimed berths for the 2027 World Cup.
China and Australia are set to clash at Perth's 60,000-seat Optus Stadium on Tuesday, while Japan will face South Korea on Wednesday. Earlier in the tournament, Australia defeated North Korea 2-1, China overcame Chinese-Taipei 2-0, and South Korea dominated Uzbekistan with a score of 6-0.
The Philippines will have another opportunity to qualify for the World Cup for a second consecutive time when they face Uzbekistan on March 19 at Cbus Super Stadium in Robina. North Korea and Chinese-Taipei will compete for the remaining World Cup spot.
"The girls understood that they're playing against one of the best teams in the world," said Filipinas coach Mark Torcaso. After Japan's first goal, starting goalie Nina Meollo was unable to stop a follow-up from Mina Tanaka, who scored at the 45th minute after Meollo deflected Aoba Fujino's volley.
In the second half, goals from Remina Chiba and Manaka Matsukubo came in the 65th and 67th minutes. Chiba scored with a long volley following a challenge from Angela Beard, while Matsukubo navigated past defenders Isabella Pasion, Kaya Hawkinson, and Halli Long.
The Filipinas, supported by the Philippine Football Federation and the Philippine Sports Commission, also saw injuries to players Mallie Ramirez and Malea Cesar. In the third minute of added time, Toko Koga scored the second goal from inside the box off a corner kick from Honoka Hayashi. Koga added another goal in the 76th minute, followed by points from Momoko Tanikawa in the 86th minute and Riko Ueki in the 90th minute.
