Lady Taeguks stuns World Cup-bound Malditas

Photo Credits: AFC

It is indeed a tough challenge for the Malditas as they faced South Korea’s Lady Taeguks yesterday at Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune, India for the semi-final match of this year’s edition of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup.

Kicking off after 3 minutes of the first half, the Lady Taeguks drew first blood. A corner kick from Kim Hye-Ri coming from the right flank, then Cho So-Hyun for the header but unable to save by Olivia McDaniel on the near post.

In the 32nd minute, it was the Malditas’ turn to make it even when Jessica Miclat made a long pass to Quinley Quesada at the penalty area, after flicking her head as the ball went to Sarina Bolden but it was a near-off target. 2 minutes later, Son Hwa-Yeon makes it double within close range after Choo Hyo-Joo’s cross.

But the Koreans wanted to score more at the 38th minute when Choe Yu-ri, one-on-one with Olivia McDaniel but her shot went wide. The Lady Taeguks in full control of the 1st half scored 2 goals to nil as the Malditas stood their ground and held their line within the 2nd Half.

In the 66th Minute, an attempt was made by Son Hwa-Yeon from the left flank as she tried for her second goal, but the shot was denied by Olivia McDaniel. 5 minutes later on the 71st minute, the Koreans tried to pass the eagerly defensive line of the Malditas, but Olivia McDaniel stopped another shot by Choo Hyo-Joo outside of the penalty area, then another attempt but the shot went off target.

At the 88th minute, Lee Min-a with another attempt to make it 3 - nil at the penalty area on the left flank but then again, Olivia McDaniel denied the shot from the Korean Midfielder. As for the final whistle blows, the Lady Taeguks will proceed to the Finals of the tournament. As for the Malditas, they held their line and defended their posts in the 2nd half. A great stellar performance from our Goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel and the rest of our lady booters.

The Malditas have been stunned by the Koreans. As the Philippines bow out of this journey, the country still has the golden ticket and qualified for the FIFA Women’s World Cup next year in Australia and New Zealand. Promises are not easy to keep, but they did give them one hell of a fight.

Coach Alen Stajćić stated during the post-match conference on his takeaways of the tournament was the journey step-by-step when the Philippines won against Thailand with a clean sheet and ended the country's winless run against the Thais followed by the hardline defense of the match between the Matildas and the Malditas, the six-nil victory against Indonesia, and the defining moment when the Malditas won over Chinese Taipei via Penalty Shootout. Including the trust, confidence, and spirit of his new players as the new head coach of our women’s national team.

These results proved that the Philippines can go toe-to-toe with other countries in South-East Asia, and around Asia. Sarina Bolden was emotional when she stated this after the semi-final match during her short interview, previously they competed with other countries like Myanmar, Nepal, now along with the heavyweights and despite the loss against the Lady Taeguks, the Filipinos will remember this team when a feisty group of women proved to the world that we can go beyond with our wildest dreams, which will become a reality.

They'll be back harder, better, faster, and stronger. The entire country is still proud of what the Malditas have done inside and outside the pitch.