The Philippines women’s national football team faces two-time champions Japan in the quarterfinals of the AFC Women’s Cup on Sunday at 11 am (Philippine time), with a direct berth to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup at stake.
Coach Mark Torcaso said the “Filipinas” must be clinical to overcome a Japanese side that dominated the group stage.
“We have to respect our opponent and the quality of our opponent,” Torcaso told reporters at a pre-match press conference in Sydney. “We know that these transition moments potentially may be limited. So we have to take full advantage when we get them.”
The winner of the match at Stadium Australia will secure one of four automatic qualification spots for the 2027 World Cup. The loser moves to a play-in round, where two additional teams will qualify, while the remaining sides enter inter-confederation playoffs.
Japan, tournament winners in 2014 and 2018, advanced from Group C with a perfect record. They scored 17 goals across three matches, including an 11-0 win over India. Forwards Riko Ueki and Kiko Seike lead the tournament scoring charts with four goals each.
History favors the Japanese side, who defeated the Philippines 8-1 in their last competitive meeting during the 19th Asian Games quarterfinals in 2023.
Despite Japan’s offensive record, coach Nils Nielsen said his side would prioritize defensive discipline in the knockout phase.
“The Philippines are a very hard-working, disciplined, and interesting side to watch,” Nielsen said. “Now it’s no longer the group stage. These are knockout games, so either you win and go through, or you lose and you’re out.”
The Philippines reached the final eight after finishing third in Group A with a 1-0-2 record. They secured their spot following a 2-0 win over Iran, featuring goals from Chandler McDaniel and Sara Eggesvik.
The current Philippine squad is a blend of veterans from the 2023 World Cup, including Hali Long and Olivia McDaniel, alongside younger players such as Ariana Markey and Alexa Pino.
The Australian “Matildas” have already secured their World Cup slot following a 2-1 victory over North Korea on Friday. Other quarterfinal fixtures on Saturday include China against Chinese Taipei, and South Korea versus Uzbekistan.
The Philippine campaign is supported by the Philippine Football Federation and the Philippine Sports Commission.
