March 10 – The group stage of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup has concluded with few surprises at the top of the standings, as the continent’s heavyweights advanced to the knockout rounds ahead of a quarter-final line-up that blends established powers with a handful of emerging challengers.
In Group A, South Korea edged hosts Australia to top spot on goal difference. Both sides progressed unbeaten with seven points apiece, underlining their status as early contenders for the title.
Group B saw China finish with a perfect nine points after a tight 2–1 victory over North Korea in their final group fixture. Despite the defeat, North Korea also advanced to the quarter-finals as runners-up.
The most emphatic group performance came from Japan, who matched China’s perfect record to win Group C in dominant fashion. Japan scored 17 goals across their three matches without conceding, including an eye-catching 11–0 victory over a helpless India, who finished the group stage with 0 points and a -14 goal difference.
Japan rounded off the group stage with a controlled 4–0 win against Vietnam, a result that confirmed their status as one of the tournament’s early standouts. Chinese Taipei will join Japan from the group in the knockout stage.
Attention now turns to the quarter-finals, where the hosts face a difficult draw. Australia will meet North Korea on Friday in a clash that pits two of the tournament’s most physically imposing sides against one another.
On Saturday, China will take on Chinese Taipei in a rare derby encounter on Australian soil, while South Korea face Uzbekistan, who advanced as the strongest third-placed side across Groups B and C.
The final quarter-final takes place on Sunday as Japan meet the Philippines, with the Southeast Asian side hoping to become the first team in the tournament to breach Japan’s yet-unbroken defence.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1773142416labto1773142416ofdlr1773142416owedi1773142416sni@g1773142416niwe.1773142416yrrah1773142416.
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