January 24 – After a thumping 18-0 win over Indonesia three days ago, Australia were drawing 0-0 against the Philippines today (Monday) before they found their stride to put four goals past their opponents to top the Asian Women’s Cup qualifying group.
A point against Thailand on Thursday will confirm them as group winners.
It took an own goal by Philippines goalkeeper Dominque Randle on 53 minutes before more goals from Sam Kerr, Emily van Egmond and Mary Fowler saw the Matildas cruise home.
In Group A, eight-time champions China continued their progress with an emphatic 7-0 win over tournament debutants Iran, to take their place in the next round.
Iran had opened the tournament with a 0-0 draw against India. With the Indians now withdrawn and their results expunged, Iran have to win against Chinese Taipei if they are to guarantee progression to the quarter finals.
Chinese Taipei lost their opening game to China 4-0.
In Group C Korea Republic moved to the verge of the quarter-finals with a 2-0 win over a resolute Myanmar side in Group C at Pune’s Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex.
Lee Geum-min opened the scoring four minutes into the second half and Ji So-yun, the game’s Most Valuable Player, played a major part in the second – an own goal – seven minutes from time.
The Koreans will advance to the quarter-finals if Japan defeat Vietnam in today’s late game. At press time the teams were level at 0-0.
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