China going to 2023 World Cup after beating Vietnam in quarter-finals of AFC Women’s Asian Cup

Steel Roses keep hopes of a record-extending ninth AFC Women’s Asian Cup title alive, and will face Japan for a place in the final

Goals from Wang Shuang, Wang Shanshan and Tang Jiali cancel out shock opener from Nguyen Thi Tuyet Dung

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China’s Wang Shuang celebrates after scoring against Vietnam. Photo: AP

Published: 10:41pm, 30 Jan 2022Updated: 11:34pm, 30 Jan 2022

China qualified for the 2023 World Cup after beating Vietnam 3-1 in the quarter-finals of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in India on Sunday.

Goals from Wang Shuang, Wang Shanshan and Tang Jiali set up a semi-final clash with Japan, and kept Shui Qingxia’s side on course for a record-extending ninth title.

Japan earlier booked their spot in the last four with a 7-0 win over Thailand, and South Korea knocked out Australia thanks to a late strike from Ji So-yun.

Vietnam’s NTT Dung celebrates giving her side the lead against China in their quarter-final in Navi Mumbai. Photo: AP

The Chelsea midfielder thumped her effort home from 25 yards two minutes from time to give the Koreans victory after Cho So-hyun had missed a penalty, and her goal means Colin Bell’s side will meet either Taiwan or the Philippines in the semi-finals on Thursday.

Vietnam, meanwhile, will now set their sights on qualifying for the Fifa Women’s World Cup via the play-offs.

China came into the match at D.Y. Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai having won all their group games without conceding a goal, while Vietnam were looking to make history by progressing into the semi-finals and qualifying for the World Cup for the first time.

Mai Duc Chung rested forward Huynh Nhu in favour of a Pham Hai Yen-Nguyen Thi Van partnership up front, but Vietnam found themselves under pressure in the opening exchanges.

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