Second day of the Asian Cup and a first qualified team for the semi-finals. This is China after its victory Monday against the Philippines. A second success that ensures a place for the Chinese Steel Roses in the last four and with a ticket for the next World Cup. In Group B, the three-way match continues between Australia, South Korea and Japan.


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Group A: China in the last four, road exit for Jordan


China has already fulfilled its contract with a qualification acquired from the second day for the semi-finals and a place at the World Cup. A domination expected in a group A where the Steel Roses were ultra-favorites.

A status confirmed Monday against the Philippines with a 3-0 success with a double of Li Ying, already scorer against Thailand who scored a goal in each period (17th and 57th). Ma Jun scored the goal of the game at the half-hour mark with a cross shot right from the entrance to the area and that leaves no chance to Kearra Bastes-Jones on his line (31).


A final for second place


Despite this defeat, the Philippines fully retain their chance to qualify for the sequel. A place in half that will be played against Thailand who has largely imposed against Jordan (6-1). The Jordanian team was trapped from the first seconds of play, 16 to be precise with the opening score of Suchawadee Nildhamrong (1st) who enjoys a ball lost by Yasmeen Khair on the edge of its surface.

A start to the game adrift for the host country, with heads may have remained stuck on the loss to the Philippines in opening and had already compromised Jordanian ambitions in this tournament. From the 6th minute, new goal scored by Taneekarn Dandga following a free-kick Thai. At the end of the first period, Thailand added two more goals by Silawan Intamee (39th) on a free kick perfectly placed at the bottom of the pole and Kanjana Sungngen (41st).

A fourth goal that has the merit of waking Jordan who quickly reduces the gap by Shahnaz Jebreen (43). A goal that fosters the illusion of a possible return as early as the beginning of the second period, Jordan gets several opportunities frank, but without success. More effective, Thailand is finally safe with a new goal of Suchawadee Nildhamrong (69th) cons, before Pitsamai Sornsai does not add his contribution late in the game (90th).

Thailand is therefore preparing to play second place against the Philippines with a favorable goal-average, and aim for a first semi-final in the Asian Cup since the 1980s. This would be a first for the Philippines.


Group B - Australia in pole position, Japan under pressure


In group B, the poster for the second day saw Japan and South Korea meet. A game that ended in a draw (0-0), the second in two outings for the South Korean team after stopping Australia on Saturday on the same score.

Yet in this match, South Korea has proposed another face and has often destabilized Japan. Ji So-Yun's team-mates were the closest to opening the scoring in the first period by Lee Mina, initially deprived of goal by the decisive exit of Ayaka Yamashita (8th) before seeing her half-time. volley miss the frame in the 26th minute.

In the second half, the game is balanced but Japan remains under pressure, often stubborn to play in the axis at the heart of the opposing defense. The best Japanese chance comes at the end of the match (90 + 2) with a right-hand ball, sent to Mana Iwabuchi who defeats a defender at the entrance to the surface before placing a miss-corner shot by Young- Geul Yoon on his line.

A last day at stake


In the other match, Australia was full of goals against Vietnam (8-0) and ensures a goal-average very favorable in case of equality of points at the top. The Matildas turned the page of a frustrating draw in opening, like Kyah Simon little success against South Korea and who opened the scoring in the 8th minute. Chloé Logarzo, Emily van Egmond and Hayley Raso will contribute to Australia's wide-ranging success, with Samantha Kerr doubling in the final half.

This victory puts the Matildas at the top of group B on equal points with Japan. Two teams that will meet on Friday, and a defeat could mean an elimination in the first round for one or the other team, with South Korea on the lookout and who will meet Vietnam at the same time.

In case of draw, Japan could also take the door, if the South Korean manage to treat their goal average. A situation that puts the Asian champions in title in a delicate position pending the outcome Thursday and Friday of this group stage.