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Reuters

Agence France-Presse

Defending champions China scored twice in extra-time to book a blockbuster semi-final against hosts Australia at the Women’s Asian Cup Saturday with a dominant South Korea joining them in the last four.
Hard-working Shao Ziqin brilliantly fired into the right corner in the 94th minute at Perth, and China sealed a tense 2-0 victory over Chinese Taipei courtesy of an own goal from Chen Ying-hui.
It kept China’s bid for a record-extending 10th title on track, with victory also ensuring their direct qualification for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.
“I’m so happy we won the match today and that I was able to score a goal,” Shao said. “We’re now in the last four. Thank you everyone for your support.”

South Korea – runners-up to China in 2022 – also ensured they will be at the World Cup with a 6-0 trouncing of Uzbekistan in Sydney.
They will face either Japan or the Philippines in the semi-finals on Wednesday.
China will meet the Matildas on Tuesday but will be without star midfielder Wang Shuang, who picked up a yellow card for the second straight match.
“Of course, she’s a loss. There is going to be an opportunity for someone else,” China head coach Ante Milicic said.
“These girls are so resilient. I’ll back my girls against any opponent.”
Chinese Taipei move on to a play-off against North Korea with an automatic World Cup spot on the line.
“They put everything they have on the pitch and showed how strong their heart is,” Chinese Taipei head coach Prasobchoke Chokemor said.
“We are still on the way to chase our dream of the World Cup.”
China gained control in the midfield and dominated possession, and appeared to capitalise just before the interval when Wang headed home, triggering jubilation from the Chinese fans.
But their celebrations were cut short when the goal was overturned because of a handball by Wang earlier in the chain.
China put the foot on the gas after the break, but Chinese Taipei threatened on the counter-attack.
In the last stages of regulation time, substitute Yao Wei’s bullet hit the crossbar as the match went into extra time, where Shao stepped up.

In Sydney, Son Hwa-yeon opened South Korea’s account in the ninth minute, with Ko Yoo-jin collecting a second before the break in a one-sided affair.
Park Soo-jeong, Ji So-yun, Lee Eun-young and Jang Sel-gi added second-half goals against an Uzbek side playing in the knockouts of the continental competition for the first time.
On Friday, Sam Kerr scored one goal and created another in their 2-1 win over the North Koreans.
The semi-finals are set for Tuesday and Wednesday, with the final to be played next Saturday in Sydney.
Despite losing, Chinese Taipei and Uzbekistan still have a chance to make the World Cup.
They move to the play-offs along with North Korea and the loser of the Japan-Philippines clash on Sunday.
The winners of those two matches will also gain automatic qualification to the global showpiece.


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Asian Football Confederation (AFC)

Women’s Asian Cup: China and South Korea power into semi-finals, book World Cup spots

China’s Shao Ziqin (centre) scores her team’s first goal during the Women’s Asian Cup quarter-final against Chinese Taipei in Perth on Saturday. Photo: AP

Chinese Taipei keeper Cheng Ssu-yu (left) saves a penalty by China’s Wurigumula (right). Photo: AP

South Korea’s Ji So-yun (right) scores her team’s fourth goal against Uzbekistan in Sydney. Photo: AP

Australia edge North Korea to reach Women’s Asian Cup semi-finals, clinch World Cup berth

Australia’s Alanna Kennedy (right) scores her team’s first goal from the edge of the box in their Women’s Asian Cup quarter-final win over North Korea in Perth on Friday. Photo: AP

Australia’s Sam Kerr scores her team’s second goal just after half-time. Photo: AP

Chae Un-yong (right) pulls one back for North Korea, but it was not enough. Photo: AP

Goal scorer Chae Un-yong reacts after the final whistle as Australia celebrate. Photo: AFP

Wales boss Craig Bellamy backs England to win World Cup, says not interested in Celtic job

Wales boss Craig Bellamy has back England to win the World Cup and said he was not interested in taking the Celtic job. Photo: Nora Tam

Craig Bellamy helps conduct the draw for this year’s HKFC Standard Chartered Soccer Sevens. Photo: Nora Tam

Sport

Football

Holders set up match with hosts Australia, while Chinese Taipei will vie with other ‌losing quarter-finalists ‌for two more World Cup places


Holders set up match with hosts Australia, while Chinese Taipei will vie with other ‌losing quarter-finalists ‌for two more World Cup places.


Women’s Asian Cup: China and South Korea power into semi-finals, book World Cup spots

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Holders set up match with hosts Australia, while Chinese Taipei will vie with other ‌losing quarter-finalists ‌for two more World Cup places

Holders set up match with hosts Australia, while Chinese Taipei will vie with other ‌losing quarter-finalists ‌for two more World Cup places