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In a thrilling Women’s Asian Cup quarter-final, China emerged victorious over Taiwan with a 2-0 win after extra time in Perth. This victory propels China into a much-anticipated semi-final clash with the Matildas scheduled for Tuesday evening.
Before a crowd of 5,238 spectators on Saturday, China took the lead when Shao Ziqin scored just four minutes into extra time. The outcome was cemented in the 118th minute when an unfortunate own goal by Chen Ying-hui doubled China’s advantage.
Next up for China is a high-stakes semi-final against host nation Australia, to be held at the expansive 60,000-seat Optus Stadium on Tuesday night.
Australia’s place in the semi-finals was secured after they narrowly defeated North Korea 2-1 on Friday night, thanks to standout performances from stars Sam Kerr and Alanna Kennedy.
Despite their status as defending champions, China faced a tougher challenge than anticipated against a determined Taiwan, ranked 40th in the world.
World No.17 China had a goal rubbed out in the 39th minute but still almost sealed the win without the need for extra-time when Yao Wei fired off a shot in the seventh minute of stoppage time – only for it to hit the upright.
Shao broke the deadlock early in extra-time with a curling strike from just inside the box, but Wurigumula had a penalty saved by Taiwan goalkeeper Chang Chi-Lan in the second period, keeping China on edge.
China made it 2-0 in the dying minutes of extra-time when a cross cannoned into Taiwan defender Chen Ying-Hui and in for a goal.
There didn’t appear to be a repeat of the controversy in Sydney, when former Taiwan coach Chen Kuei-jen was ejected from the stadium during the 3-1 win over India for leading a “Go Taiwan” chant.
Taiwan compete under the name Chinese Taipei in international sporting events.
China had 71.7 per cent possession in the first half of Saturday’s match but it only translated to five shots — and just one on target — due to Taiwan’s water-tight defence.
The one time China truly broke through was in the 39th minute when Zhang Xin’s inch-perfect cross was headed in by Wang Shuang.
But China’s celebrations were short lived, with the VAR revealing Wang had committed a handball in the lead-up play while attempting to chest down the ball.
China unleashed 26 shots to two for the match and enjoyed 72 per cent possession.
What happens next?
The Matildas will play China in the first semi-finals match in Perth on Tuesday, March 17.
There is no word yet on whether star players Hayley Raso or Steph Catley, ruled out of the clash against North Korea with injuries, will return to the pitch.
The remaining quarter-finals fixtures will play out over the next 24 hours.
South Korea will play Uzbekistan on Sunday night. Japan will play the Philippines on Monday afternoon.
The winners of those two matches will face off in the second semi-finals match in Sydney on Wednesday, March 18.
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