Malditas upset Iran, explode for six in AFC Women's Asian Cup qualifier

The Philippine national women's football team, also known as the Malditas, opened the Group B games of the 2014 AFC Women's Asian Cup qualification round with a bang, storming to a 6-0 rout of Iran, Tuesday at the Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

It was a mighty feat for the Filipinas, as Iran came in ranked 52nd in the world, 11th in Asia. The Philippines, in contrast, is 83nd in the world, 18th in Asia.

FT: @phi_malditas 6-0 Iran (Heather Cooke (1'), Megan Jurado (3'), Jesse Shugg (5'), OG Iran (34'), Joana Houplin (41'), Jesse Shugg (92')

— Venice Furio (@VeniceFurio) May 21, 2013

The Malditas were aggressive right from kick-off, as Heather Cooke, Megan Jurado and Jesse Shugg scored one apiece in the first five minutes of the match to build a very imposing scoreline of 3-0.

An own goal by Iran at the 34th minute further compounded their woes, and prior to the halftime break, Joana Houplin was able to add to the tally, for a 5-0 advantage at the intermission.

Shugg then gave herself a brace in extra-time, scoring once more at the 92nd minute, to close out the game.

The Philippines next plays Thailand (29th in the world, sixth in Asia) on May 23, before taking on the host country (108th in the world, 23rd in Asia) on May 25.  - AMD, GMA News