Filipinas face tall odds vs world power Japan
The Philippine women’s football team is embracing the challenge of facing powerhouse Japan in the quarterfinals of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup on Sunday, its first chance at securing a return trip to the Fifa Women’s World Cup.
Kickoff is at 1 p.m. Philippine time in Sydney, with the Filipinas facing insurmountable odds against a crack side that dominated the group stage without conceding a goal.
Coach Mark Torcaso, however, is banking on the experience his side gained from facing other title contenders, like host Australia and South Korea—who, respectively, dealt the Philippines 1-0 and 3-0 defeats.
“It is an absolute privilege to play against some of the best teams not just in Asia but in the world,” Torcaso said during a prematch press conference held on the eve of the match to be held at Stadium Australia.
“We have played Australia and Korea and now we are up against what is probably the best team in the competition,” added the Filipinas mentor.
Limited chances
The Filipinas made their way to the quarterfinals while also keeping their hopes for a World Cup berth alive with a 3-0 win over Iran.
But a quarterfinal ticket was confirmed only when Japan clobbered Vietnam, 4-0, a result that eliminated the Southeast Asian rival from contention.
Now, it’s the Filipinas’ turn to deal with the former Asian Cup and World Cup winners.
“The girls have fought hard and played three big games and in the next match, we have to focus on better transitions,” said Torcaso.
“But given it’s Japan, I know our chances will be limited, so we must take full advantage of whatever opportunities we get and be disciplined in our game.”
Meanwhile, the Philippine Football Federation will hold a watch party for fans of the team at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall.
Last week, a similar event was held at MOA Sky for the Filipinas’ match with Iran.
