Filipinas Eliminated From AFC Women's Asian Cup After 7-0 Loss to Japan — But World Cup Playoff Chance Remains

It was always going to be a tough ask, but the scoreline still stings. The Philippine Women's National Football Team fell 0-7 to Japan in the AFC Women's Asian Cup quarterfinals in Sydney on Sunday, ending their run in the tournament proper.

Japan — a powerhouse chasing their third Asian Cup title — dominated throughout. Filipinas goalkeeper Nina Meollo kept things scoreless until just before halftime, pero Japan eventually broke through. Mina Tanaka opened the scoring with a scrappy close-range header, followed quickly by Toko Koga converting from a corner kick to make it 2-0 at the break.

The second half was even more brutal. Remina Chiba struck in the 65th minute, Manaka Matsukubo dribbled through the defense two minutes later, and Koga added her second with another header in the 75th. Late goals from Momoko Tanikawa and substitute Riko Ueki completed the rout. Japan has now scored 24 goals without conceding a single one in the tournament. Grabe ang form nila.

But it's not over for the Filipinas. Despite the loss, the team still has a shot at qualifying for the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil. The losing quarterfinalists will compete for two remaining spots through playoffs on the Gold Coast. Japan, meanwhile, has already secured their World Cup berth with the win.

In the other semifinal, hosts Australia will face China. The Filipinas may have been outclassed today, but their continued presence in continental competition shows just how far Philippine women's football has come. Laban lang, Filipinas!

Source: GMA News/Reuters