SYDNEY, March 15 (Xinhua) -- Title favourite Japan moved into a blockbuster semifinal against South Korea in the AFC Women's Asian Cup after dismantling the Philippines 7-0 here on Sunday.
As expected, Japan was far too strong, with victory also ensuring direct qualification for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.
After scoring 17 goals without conceding in the group phase, Japan had six different goal scorers, with Toko Koga bagging a brace.
Japan, eyeing a third tournament title, stormed into Wednesday's semifinal in Sydney against rampant South Korea, who demolished Uzbekistan 6-0 Saturday night.
Defending champion China and host Australia will meet in the first semifinal on Tuesday at Perth's 60,000-seat Optus Stadium.
The Philippines, who made the final four at the 2022 Asian Cup, will play Uzbekistan on Thursday with an automatic World Cup spot on the line.
With a talent-laden squad boasting numerous players from the Women's Super League in England, Japan was left frustrated for most of the first half after squandering numerous opportunities.
The Philippines hung on and appeared set to enter the break with the score level at 0-0, only for Mina Tanaka and Koga to both produce headers just before half-time.
The one-way traffic continued in the second half with substitutes Remina Chiba and Manaka Matsukubo hitting the target as Japan went 4-0 ahead with more than 20 minutes left.
Koga completed her outstanding performance by again heading into the net before substitutes Momoko Tanikawa and Riko Ueki added the finishing touches. ■
