Japan's second half storm sends Filipinas home

The Philippine women's national football team bowed out of medal contention at the 19th Asian Games - Women's Football tournament with an 8-1 defeat to defending champions Japan at the Wenzhou Sports Centre.

PHOTO CREDIT: Philippine Women's National Football Team

The odds were stacked against the Filipinas, facing a Japan side that had scored 23 goals and conceded none in its first three matches in the competition.

The situation wasn't helped by the absences of some key players, with the likes of Reina Bonta, Quinley Quezada and Jessika Cowart not listed in the matchday squad.

Japan's attacks were piling up just as the rain poured down in Wenzhou, but the defenders and goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel kept them at bay.

A major blow came for the Filipinas when captain Hali Long was sent off in the 27th minute after a challenge outside the penalty area.

With time winding down before the break, an unfortunate handball by Isabella Pasion inside the box gave the Nadeshiko a penalty, Momoko Tanikawa converting to give Japan the lead.

Coming into halftime, play was suspended due to lightning and extreme weather, but was eventually resumed.

Even with 10 redshirts on the pitch, the Philippines held tight at the start of the second half to preserve a respectable scoreline, with McDaniel making save upon save.

But Haruka Osawa and Remina Chiba added a goal each in the 58th and 65th minutes, respectively to give Japan a 3-0 cushion.

Against the run of play, Sarina Bolden scored one for the Filipinas in the 67th minute to pull one back.

Japanese forward Mami Ueno then boosted her side's tally with a quick hat-trick to take the scoreline to 6-1.

Ueno added another early in stoppage time, before Osawa finished the match off with Japan's eighth goal.

With the result, the Filipinas recorded a quarter-final finish in their first-ever Asian Games.

The focus for head coach Mark Torcaso and the Philippine women's national team will now turn to the Second Round of Olympic Qualifiers from October 26 to November 1 where they will face Chinese Taipei, Iran, and hosts Australia.