South Korea stops Philippines in Asian Cup semis
The historic run of the national women’s football team came to an end after falling short against South Korea, 2-0, Thursday, Feb. 3 in the semifinals of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup at the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune, India.
South Korea took the lead four minutes into the contest on Cho So Hyun’s header before Son Hwa Yeon added a second goal in the 34th as the clock struck midnight on the Pinay booters after a Cinderella campaign in the continental tournament.
But being denied a spot in the final will not take away the ecstasy of claiming a historic berth in next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup which the Philippines did in its dramatic quarterfinal win over Taiwan that needed a shootout.
“Obviously, South Korea was the better team,” coach Alen Stajcic said. “Obviously, they dominated and had more chances, and we had five or six half-chances.”
“But the best part about this game is that after playing 120 minutes the other night is that they fought right to the death. There’s an amazing heart and courage and spirit in this group. And you know, I’m proud of them.
"I know the whole coaching staff are all proud and I think all of everyone back home in the Philippines should be so proud of this group. They've come such a long way in in such a short space of time,” added Stajcic.
Now the focus shifts on preparing the team for FIFA’s premier event in either Australia and New Zealand, the tournament’s co-hosts, where they’ll face some of the world’s best football nations.
First on the agenda is to work out a new deal with Stajcic, whose deal lapsed following the semifinal defeat.
The Philippine Football Federation said it will try whatever it takes to keep the Australian in charge of the World Cup squad.
The victors advanced to the final on Sunday against either Japan, the winner of the last two editions, or China.
Cho, who plays for English side Tottenham, struck the opener with a header off a set piece that put the Philippines behind early.
The Philippines avoided several chances by South Korea to quickly extend its margin, but that didn’t last as Son smashed the second goal from close range off a cross from the left flank by Cho Hyo Joo.
Goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel, one of the heroes of the quarterfinal triumph, saved several good chances by South Korea to add to its goal tally as the Philippines was able to keep the scoreline until the final whistle.