Japan thrash Philippines 7-0 to reach Women’s Asian Cup semifinals

Sydney: Japan women’s national football team stormed into the semifinals of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup with a dominant 7-0 victory over the Philippines women’s national football team in Sydney on Sunday.

Toko Koga scored twice as Japan continued their impressive run, setting up a semi-final clash with South Korea women’s national football team.

Japan dominated from the start but were initially frustrated by Philippines goalkeeper Nina Meollo. The breakthrough finally came just before halftime when Mina Tanaka headed in from close range. Koga quickly doubled the lead with a goal from a corner.

Japan stepped up the pace after the break, with Remina Chiba scoring in the 65th minute to make it 3-0. Two minutes later, Manaka Matsukubo dribbled through the defence to add the fourth.

Koga grabbed her second goal in the 75th minute with another close-range header. Momoko Tanikawa made it six in the 86th minute before substitute Riko Ueki completed the scoring in the 90th minute.

The victory means Japan have now scored 24 goals without conceding in the tournament and have also secured qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

The Philippines will now face the other losing quarter-finalists in playoff matches on the Gold Coast for the remaining World Cup qualification spots.

In the other semi-final, hosts Australia women’s national football team will take on China women’s national football team.