China edge Taiwan in extra-time to make Women's Asian Cup semis
China players celebrate a goal by Shao Ziqin during the AFC Women's Asian Cup quarter-final against Taiwan (Antony DICKSON) Defending champions China scored twice in extra-time to book a blockbuster semi-final with hosts Australia at the Women's Asian Cup after a tense 2-0 win over Taiwan on Saturday. Shao Ziqin brilliantly fired into the right corner in the 94th minute before earning a penalty in the second-half of added time. Substitute Wurigumula missed the spot kick but China sealed victory at Perth Rectangular Stadium through 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. They will face the Matildas on Tuesday at the 60,000-seat Perth Stadium after the hosts edged North Korea 2-1 in the last eight. China will be without star midfielder Wang Shuang, who was handed 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. " Taiwan now move 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," Taiwan head coach Prasobchoke Chokemor said.
"We are still on the way to chase our dream of the World Cup. " The quarter-final had political undertones given China's claim to the self-ruled island of Taiwan, who compete under the name "Chinese Taipei" in international sports events. It is part of a political compromise with China that allows them to take part in major competitions without presenting itself as a sovereign nation.