By Jean Malanum
MANILA – The Philippines faces the Herculean task of beating two-time champion Japan in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women’s Cup in Australia.
The Filipinas, who arrived Friday in Sydney, battle the formidable Nadeshiko squad at 11 a.m. on Sunday (PH time) at the Stadium Australia.
Japan went through the group stage in Group C with the highest number of goals scored with 17, following their 11-0 rout of India.
The Philippines, on the other hand, has a 1-0-2 win-draw-loss record in Group A.
The Filipinas reached the quarterfinals due to a better tiebreak record and as one of the two best third-placers.
“It’s a privilege playing against some of the best teams here in Asia and around the world in this tournament. Like Australia and South Korea, we look forward to this game,” Philippine team coach, Australian Mark Torcaso, said during the pre-match press conference Saturday.
“We look forwards to this game, playing against the best players in the world, and probably one of the best teams in the world. The girls are excited,” he added.
The winner of the Philippine-Japan match will advance to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. If successful, it will be a second consecutive stint for the Filipinas after their historic debut in 2023.
The loser will figure in a play-in, with the winner also qualifying for World Cup.
“I think we need to show that we can defend as well, not just attack. We’ll spend time on that in the coming days, and also work on improving our transition moments,” Japan national coach, Danish Nils Nielsen, said.
Australia, which already booked a seat to the World Cup, defeated North Korea, 2-1, to reach the semifinal round on Friday.
China and Chinese-Taipei are still clashing for their spots, along with South Korea and Uzbekistan, on Saturday.
The Filipinas are comprised 2023 World Cup veterans Chandler McDaniel, Hali Long, Olivia McDaniel, midfielders Sara Eggesvik and Jaclyn Sawicki, defenders Angela Beard, Jessika Cowart and Sofia Harrison, and young players Ariana Markey and Alexa Pino along with Jael Marie Guy, Mallie Ramirez, Paige McSwigan and Isabella Pasion. (PNA)
