The 19th edition of the Asian Nations Cup kicked off Friday in Jordan, a continental tournament bringing together the top eight Asian national teams of the moment. At stake, a title of champions of Asia and five places for the World Cup in France. The first day in both groups saw Jordan fall from entry while Australia had to settle for the draw in Group B.


=> 2018 Asian Nations Cup - Program & Results


The Asian Cup opened this weekend with a first day in both groups and eight teams to succeed Japan, winner of the last edition in 2014. The defending champions are well present in Jordan in a Group B with Australia, South Korea and Vietnam. A draw that offers a more open group A with China, accompanied by the host country Jordan, the Philippines and Thailand.

The first two teams in each group qualify for the semi-finals and validate their place in the World Cup, the fifth world team will be known after a ranking match between the two countries that will finish in third place. their group.


Group A: The Philippines overthrows Jordan, China at the appointment


Friday, China opened the ball in this Asian Cup against Thailand, two teams used to continental games. In the first half, Thailand defeated the Steel Roses and even managed to hit the goal early in the game by Suchawadee Nildhamrong (5th). The Chinese team takes control of the game but will have to wait until the second half before finding the net.

It was Song Duan who opened the score in the 56th minute on a corner, on the lookout for a ball repelled by the defense in the box. This goal launches a second period when China will gradually take off. On a new set kick, Wang Shuang scored (63), this time with a direct free kick to 18 meters full axis and well placed on the right of the goal.

Ideally served by Song Duan in the box, Li Ying hit the nail in the 67th minute on a cross shot. Passing on this action, Song Duan offers the double ten minutes later (77th) to offer a wide victory (4-0) but logical for China.


The Philippines, for its part, offered a first sensation by beating Jordan (1-2) in front of its audience. It was expected the host country outsider Group A, an impression strengthened after the opening of the score of Maysa Jbarah the quarter of an hour deflecting the ball at the entrance of the surface a long ball Stephanie Al-Naber ( 15th).

Remained in contact, the Philippines eventually equalize the return of the locker room free kick. Under pressure, Yasmeen Khair deflects the ball into his own goal of the head (51st). On this action, the Filipina player who caused this goal is called Sarina Bolden and will play a decisive role in this game. Born in the United States, she played her first match with the Philippines and will score her first goal in the Philippine jersey to give the victory to her team. On a long ball deep, Bolden takes the best of Lana Feras and keeps the balance to deceive Salma Ghazal (76).


Group B - South Korea holds Australia in respect, Japan faces Vietnam


Australia failed to find a way to defeat a solid South Korean team until the end of the tournament. A frustrating 0-0 for the Matildas who tried, but rarely found the frame, like this recovery of Kyah Simon in the area late in the game and that seemed to promise another destiny (87th). A draw that appears as a good result for South Korea that preserves all its chances of reaching the semifinals of the tournament.


For Japan, the introduction was rich in goals, with an opening score in the third minute for Kumi Yokoyama. The Frankfurt striker cheats Đặng Thị Kiều Trinh, after being served back in the area by Rika Masuya. The Nadeshiko quickly make the break through Emi Nakajima who emerges at the far post and cuts a center of Mana Iwabuchi, managed to make the difference on the right side (17th).

In line with the Algarve Cup, Iwabuchi is one of Japan's most restless and scored the third Japanese goal in the second half on a center Hikaru Naomoto (57). Japan quickly added a fourth goal, signed Mina Tanaka (66th), minutes after coming into play. A wide win (4-0) and a second period when Japan hit by three times on the amounts.

With this success against the Vietnam team deemed the most modest of this group B, the players of Asako Takakura take the lead of their pool before facing Tuesday South Korea.