The Philippine Women’s National Football Team’s historic run in the 19th Asian Games ended on Saturday after an 8-1 defeat to Japan in Wenzhou, China.
The Philippines thus exited the competition in the quarterfinals, which was the country’s highest placing in Asiad football since the Azkals reached the same stage back in 1958.
Sarina Bolden gave the Filipinas their lone bright spot in the game, scoring in the 67th minute to give the Philippines hope despite being down three goals by that point.
It was Bolden’s fourth goal in as many matches in the tournament and her 26th strike for the Philippines in 43 international appearances. It also marked the first time Japan conceded a goal in this tournament.
The Filipinas’ disastrous first half set the tone for the rest of the match. Captain Hali Long was dismissed in the 27th minute after she was adjudged to have denied an obvious goalscoring opportunity.
The Nadeshiko Japan then took full advantage as Momoko Tanikawa coverted a penalty in the 39th minute after Isabella Pasion’s handball in the Philippines’ box.
Come the second half, Haruka Osawa gave Japan a two-goal cushion in the 59th minute. The two-time Asiad winners virtually sealed the win in the 65th minute thanks to Remina Chiba’s goal.
Substitute Mami Ueno added to the Filipinas’ woes by coming off the bench to score four goals.
Ueno converted a spot-kick given for substitute Shai del Campo’s foul inside the Philippines’ box in the 76th minute and put the ball at the back of the net again in the 78th and 81st minutes. She then added her fourth in the 90+1 minute.
Osawa then completed Japan’s comprehensive win and her brace with a goal in the 90+4 minute.
Japan’s reward for its win is a clash against China in the semifinals of the competition this Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the Filipinas will now focus on the second round of qualifiers for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, which shall be held in Perth, Australia, later this month.
