Irresistible Japan cruises into Asian Cup semis and delights diaspora
By Henry Hanson••ABC News (AU)
Sayoko had never played football, but the Japan women's side inspired her to take up the game. And the Nadeshiko lived up to the hype at Stadium Australia, defeating the Philippines 7-0 on an afternoon of colour and national pride.
Japan has booked its place in the Asian Cup semifinals with a hard-fought but ultimately sublime 7-0 victory over the Philippines at picture-perfect Stadium Australia. For 45 minutes, the Filipinas …