Uzbekistan v Philippines
Filipinas beat Uzbekistan to secure spot at 2027 Women's World Cup
The Philippines have secured a berth at the 2027 Women's World Cup after defeating Uzbekistan 2-0 in a Women's Asian Cup play-in match on the Gold Coast on Thursday.
Angela Beard was arguably best on ground the game between the two Women's Asian Cup quarterfinal losers that served as a qualifier for next year's showpiece in Brazil.
Former A-League Women's coach Mark Torcaso pulled the strings as the Filipinas called the shots and -- after a first half of near misses -- converted with a quick-fire double in the second stanza.
Beard came close twice in the first half -- the second of those a mistimed tap-in from close-range -- but nailed her next, much tougher, chance into the roof of the net to open the scoring after 47 minutes.
Teammate Jaclyn Sawicki then did well to redirect a header back across Uzbekistan goalkeeper Maftuna Jonimqulova and into the side netting five minutes later.
Those clinical efforts came after just one of nine shots were on target in the first half.
Torcaso, the A-League Women coach of the year with Western United in 2022, was visibly frustrated on the bench by the side's wastefulness.
Their double-strike after the break was a source of relief though as the Philippines, who began their tournament with a 1-0 loss to finalists Australia, then had few issues holding out Uzbekistan's final swings.
The Filipinas also lost to semifinalists South Korea but beat Iran to progress to the quarterfinals, where Japan cruised to a 7-0 win that sent the Philippines into a last-gasp World Cup qualifier.
Torcaso, who took over from former Matildas coach and fellow Australian Alen Stajcic, also led the side to gold at last year's South East Asian Games.
Game Information
- Referees:
- Casey Reibelt

