Navi Mumbai, Jan 30: Japan on Sunday qualified for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in style as they reached the semifinals of the ongoing AFC Asian Cup with a 7-0 win over Thailand.
Striker Yuika Sugasawa scored four goals for the two-time defending champions who will face China in the semifinals on Thursday.
China, meanwhile, defeated Vietnam 3-1 in their quarterfinal match.
Thailand, the 1983 champions, are still in the running for a place in the FIFA World Cup in Australia and New Zealand through the playoffs to be played on February 2 and 4. Thailand were missing several players due to a COVID-19 outbreak in their squad.
Riding Ji So-yun’s late long-range stunner, South Korea halted the Australian juggernaut with a 1-0 win to enter the semifinals and book a 2023 FIFA World Cup spot here on Sunday.
The Chelsea midfielder thumped her effort home from 25 yards two minutes from time to give the Koreans victory after Cho So-hyun had missed a penalty against the 2018 runners-up who had stormed into the quarters with three big wins on the trot.
Ji’s goal allowed her to overshadow her clubmate Sam Kerr as the Australian forward endured a disappointing game in front of goal as the Matildas crashed out of the tournament.
Australia have already qualified for the 2023 World Cup as co-hosts, along with New Zealand. (PTI)
