Women's Asian Cup: Japan beat Chinese Taipei in Group C opener
Perth, March 4
Former champions Japan opened their campaign in the AFC Women's Asian Cup with an easy 2-0 win over Chinese Taipei in Western Australia on Wednesday.
After failing to capitalise on repeated chances to open the scoring in the first hour, Japan got the breakthrough in the 61st minute when midfielder Momoko Tanikawa controlled the ball with her chest in the penalty area before finishing with her right foot.
Forward Kiko Seike sealed the win for the 2014 and 2018 champion in the 92nd minute when she headed a cross from fellow substitute Remina Chiba into the bottom left corner, reports Xinhua.
Despite conceding twice, Chinese Taipei goalkeeper Wang Yu-ting made nine saves throughout the match as Japan registered 30 shots.
It was Japan's fourth straight win over Chinese Taipei in the tournament.
Japan, who have won the title twice and finished runners-up on four occasions, are the highest-ranked team in this group and is expected to top the standings.
In Group C, Japan will play India at the Perth Rectangular Stadium on Saturday, while Chinese Taipei will face Vietnam.
On Wednesday, two-time runners-up India will open their campaign in Group C against Vietnam at the same Perth Rectangular Stadium, hoping to start their campaign on a winning note. The top two finishers in the group and the two best third-placed teams will qualify for the quarterfinals.
The AFC Women's Asian Cup presents an opportunity for the 12 participating nations, as the four semifinalists will gain direct entry to the FIFA Women's World Cup Brazil 2027. Two out of the four losing quarterfinalists will compete to determine the two remaining direct qualifiers from Asia. The remaining two teams will proceed to the Play-off Tournament, which can also afford them an entry to the world's biggest competition.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good analysis. 30 shots to 2 goals shows Japan were wasteful. Chinese Taipei's goalkeeper Wang Yu-ting deserves a lot of credit for keeping the scoreline respectable. Hope our Indian forwards are more precise when they get their chances.
The real story is the World Cup qualification! So much at stake. Our girls have to finish in the top four. The entire nation is behind you. Jai Hind!
Watching from the US. The quality of women's football in Asia keeps getting better. Japan is a powerhouse, but India's growth has been impressive. Good luck to all teams!
Respectfully, I feel the media coverage for our women's team is still not enough. They are fighting for a World Cup spot! This match against Vietnam is crucial. Hope they get the support they deserve, both on and off the field.
Momoko Tanikawa's goal was pure skill! Chest control and finish in one motion. 👏 Football is truly a beautiful game. Can't wait for Wednesday's opener. Come on India!
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