World Cup-bound Philippines falls to Korea in semis to end 2022 AFC Asian Women's Cup campaign

The Philippine national women's football team saw its AFC Women's Asian Cup bid come to an end after falling to world no. 18 Korea Republic.

The Filipina booters, who have already punched their ticket to the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, absorbed a 2-0 loss to the Koreans on Thursday at the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune, India.

The Koreans wasted no time asserting their dominance, converting the breakthrough goal quickly in the 4th minute after Cho So Hyun launched a header off a corner assist by Kim Hye Ri. Philippines' goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel failed to deny the kick.

A clean kick from Son Hwa Yeon, meanwhile, doubled Korea Republic's lead to 2-0 in the 34th minute as they held the world no. 64 Filipinas scoreless at the break.

The Filipinas put up a gallant stand in the second half, launching a great defensive effort that saw Korea Republic struggle to convert. However, they also failed to find connections en route to the loss.

Regardless of the result, though, the nationals have made history as they will be the first Philippine team to compete in the prestigious World Cup after escaping Chinese Taipei in their quarterfinal round clash.

Against Chinese Taipei last Sunday, the Philippine team won after a nerve-wracking 4-3 victory in the penalty shootout. The two squads were tied 1-1 after two extra periods.

Korea will face the winner of the semifinal clash between China and Japan, who will slug it out later at 10 p.m.

—MGP, GMA News