Japan Vs Philippines: Philippines Keep Women’s Asian Cup Hopes Alive With Win, South Korea Top Group

Japan Vs Philippines — The Philippines kept their Women’s Asian Cup hopes alive with a 2-0 win over Iran at a rain-soaked Gold Coast Stadium, while South Korea finished top of Group A after a 3-3 draw with host Australia.

Philippines Beat Iran 2-0 At Rain-Soaked Gold Coast Stadium

Goals in each half from Sara Eggesvik and Chandler McDaniel secured the Philippines a 2-0 victory that preserved their chance of progressing as one of the best third-placed teams. Eggesvik opened the scoring in the 29th minute after a VAR review awarded her the goal. Substitute Chandler McDaniel converted in the 82nd minute to provide a two-goal cushion in difficult wet conditions.

Japan Vs Philippines

Iran’s players sang the national anthem and saluted before bowing out of the tournament with the defeat. Early in the match Sara Didar had a sixth-minute strike that was comfortably saved by goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel. Iran’s 38-year-old goalkeeper Raha Yazdani produced a series of saves — three in four minutes early on and three more late in the first half — keeping the score at 1-0 at the break before the Philippines extended their lead in the second half.

Late Australia Goal Leaves South Korea Top Of Group

At the top of Group A, Australia’s Alanna Kennedy scored her second goal deep into stoppage time to rescue a 3-3 draw against South Korea, but the late leveller was not enough to overtake the Koreans, who finished atop the group.

The Philippines’ win and the Australia–South Korea draw were the defining results in Group A, leaving the Philippines still in contention for advancement as a third-placed side and Iran eliminated without a victory.