In a thrilling display of athletic prowess, China’s women’s soccer team triumphed over Taiwan, securing their place in the semifinals of the Women’s Asian Cup and earning automatic qualification for the upcoming 2027 World Cup in Brazil. This milestone victory not only highlights the growing strength of women’s sports in Asia but also sets the stage for a compelling matchup against host nation Australia, making it a pivotal moment for both teams as they aim for glory on an international scale.
Defending champions China scored twice in extra time, emerging victorious with a 2-0 win over Taiwan, thus securing a blockbuster semifinal match against hosts Australia in the Women’s Asian Cup. The match, held at the Perth Rectangular Stadium, saw Shao Ziqin score a brilliant goal into the right corner in the 94th minute, punctuating a tense contest and ultimately leading to an own goal from Taiwan’s Chen Ying-hui that sealed the victory for China.
This impressive win not only keeps China’s pursuit of a record-extending 10th title alive but also confirmed their direct qualification for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil. The Chinese team will face the Matildas at the 60,000-seat Perth Stadium following Australia’s closely contested 2-1 victory over North Korea in the quarterfinals. However, the match will take place without star midfielder Wang Shuang, who received a yellow card for the second consecutive match, posing a challenge for China’s lineup.
China’s head coach Ante Milicic expressed confidence in his team despite this setback, emphasizing their resilience and determination. Taiwan, on the other hand, now transitions into a playoff against North Korea, aiming to secure their own World Cup qualification. Taiwan’s head coach Prasobchoke Chokemor praised his players for their heart and effort on the pitch, reaffirming their commitment to chase their World Cup dream.
The match carried political undertones, reflecting China’s claim over the self-ruled island of Taiwan, which competes internationally as “Chinese Taipei” under a compromise that allows participation without asserting sovereign status. Notably, the match drew a crowd of 5,238, showcasing a mix of fans, with Taiwanese supporters being particularly vocal despite the complicated political backdrop.
The team’s strong support was amplified by the fervent atmosphere, although any previous controversies, such as the ejection of former Taiwan coach Chen Kuei-jen during earlier games, did not resurface during this match. Taiwan’s defense has been resilient, but it showed a newfound attacking flair early on before China established control in midfield. The match teetered on the edge until Shao’s decisive plays in extra time propelled China into the next round.
Looking ahead, South Korea is set to face Uzbekistan, while Japan prepares to meet the Philippines in the other quarterfinals. With semifinals scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, the excitement builds as all four semifinalists from the Women’s Asian Cup automatically qualify for next year’s World Cup in Brazil, setting the stage for an electrifying conclusion to the tournament.
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