PHL women’s football team Filipinas battle Group A powerhouse South Korea in AFC Women’s Asian Cup

Game on Thursday
(Gold Coast Stadium)
1 p.m. – Philippines vs South Korea (11 a.m. Manila time)

THE gutsy stand in the narrow 0-1 loss to host Australia has strengthened the Filipinas’ belief that they could compete against the powerhouses in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup.

And now the underdog Pinay booters seek to go further on Thursday as they try to take down South Korea in their Group A duel at the Gold Coast Stadium.

The Taegeuk Ladies hold pole position in the group after shutting out Iran, 3-0, in Sunday’s initial salvo of the Continental showpiece.

The 1 p.m. game (11 a.m. Manila time) is important in the Filipinas’ bid to advance to the knockout round in this FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying meet. They need to finish top 2 in the group to earn an outright berth to the quarterfinals or emerge first or second among the third-ranked teams after group play to advance.

“We’ve obviously had a very tough game against the hosts (Matildas) but now our direction looks towards Korea and we’ll experience one of the best and strongest teams in the competition,” said Philippine coach Mark Torcaso.

“We just want to perform really well for the country. I know the girls will fight to the death. And as a target we just want to show our heart and determination. I think that (result) will take care of itself if we do that,” he added.

Led by World Cup veteran keeper Olivia McDaniel, Filipinas frustrated the Aussies with their world-class defending in the opener in Perth but comebacking star Sam Kerr’s 14^th minute goal spelled the difference.

The Koreans found the Iranians a tough nut as well, leading by only a goal after the first half before chalking up two in the second to run away to victory.

“We really respect Korea, they have world class players. But we’re really focusing on us, on what we can do, not necessarily worrying so much against the opponents, like we did against Australia,” said Mr. Torcaso.

“Iran put up a really disciplined fight against Korea. I think we have to do a very similar thing as well but we’re also determined to try to get into the scoresheet and put away a goal or two in this game.” — Olmin Leyba