Matildas Brace for Tough Semi-Final Clash Against China After Extra-Time Thriller
The stage is set for a blockbuster semi-final at the Women’s Asian Cup, with host nation Australia set to face a determined Chinese side. China booked their ticket to the final four after a gruelling 2-0 extra-time victory against Taiwan in a tense quarter-final showdown held in Perth.
The match, witnessed by 5,238 fans at the Perth Rectangular Stadium on Saturday, remained goalless for the entirety of regulation time. The deadlock was finally broken in the fourth minute of extra-time when Shao Ziqin found the back of the net for China. The victory was then sealed in the 118th minute, with an unfortunate own goal from Taiwan’s Chen Ying-hui doubling China’s advantage and confirming their progression.
This hard-fought win sets up a mouth-watering semi-final clash against the tournament’s hosts, Australia. The Matildas secured their own place in the semi-finals with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over North Korea on Friday night, setting the scene for a high-stakes encounter at the magnificent 60,000-seat Optus Stadium on Tuesday night.
China’s Coach Reflects on Tense Encounter
Following the match, China’s Australian coach, Ante Milicic, acknowledged the pressure of the occasion. “We probably created enough to win the game in 90,” he stated. “We didn’t. And then I think it’s normal with a game that’s got so much on the line, we looked a little bit anxious. But in the end, I felt that we were fairly well in control. We won the game, qualified for the World Cup, and we moved into the semi-final. So I’m just delighted for the players.”
Taiwan’s Pride Despite Defeat
Despite the heartbreaking loss, Taiwan’s coach, Prasobchoke Chokemor, urged his players to hold their heads high. “I told them you don’t need to be sad, you don’t need to cry,” he said. “You can be proud. They put everything into it and showed a strong heart.”
World No. 40 Taiwan now faces the daunting task of heading to the Gold Coast to compete for World Cup qualification. They will face the other three quarter-final losers in a bid to secure their spot on the global stage.
A Match of Near Misses and VAR Drama
The match itself was a captivating affair, filled with moments of near brilliance and VAR intervention. World No. 17 China had a goal disallowed in the 39th minute, a decision that would have put them ahead without the need for extra-time. Later, in the seventh minute of stoppage time, Yao Wei unleashed a shot that rattled the upright, a heart-stopping moment for the Chinese contingent.
Shao Ziqin’s eventual breakthrough came with a well-placed curling strike from just inside the box. However, the tension remained palpable. Wurigumula had a penalty saved by Taiwan’s agile goalkeeper, Chang Chi-Lan, in the second period of extra-time, keeping China on edge until the very end.
The match was also played against a backdrop of delicate political undertones, given China’s stance on self-ruled Taiwan. However, there was no repeat of the controversy seen in Sydney, where a former Taiwan coach was ejected for leading chants. Taiwan competes internationally under the name Chinese Taipei.
Tactical Battle and Defensive Resilience
Statistically, China dominated possession in the first half, enjoying 71.7 per cent of the ball. However, this dominance only translated into five shots, with just one on target, a testament to Taiwan’s disciplined and water-tight defence.
China’s initial breakthrough in the 39th minute, a perfectly placed cross from Zhang Xin met by a header from Wang Shuang, was ultimately chalked off by VAR. The review revealed a handball by Wang in the build-up, a decision that highlighted the fine margins at play in elite international football.
The journey to the semi-finals has been arduous for both China and Australia, promising a captivating and fiercely contested battle for a place in the final.
