Matildas to face China in Asian Cup semi-finals as Taiwan defeated in defensive showdown

China have defeated Taiwan 2-0 in extra-time in a tense Women’s Asian Cup quarter-final showdown in Perth. The win sets up a semi-final showdown against the Matildas on Tuesday night.

In front of 5238 fans on Saturday, China hit the lead in the fourth minute of extra-time through Shao Ziqin before the deal was sealed in the 118th minute via an unlucky own goal to Chen Ying-hui.

The reward is a semi-final showdown against tournament hosts Australia at the 60,000-seat Optus Stadium on Tuesday night.

Australia secured their spot in the final four with a nervy 2-1 win over North Korea on Friday night.

Defending champions China had to work much harder for their win against world No.40 Taiwan than expected.

World No.17 China had a goal rubbed out in the 39th minute but still almost sealed the win without the need for extra-time when Yao Wei fired off a shot in the seventh minute of stoppage time – only for it to hit the upright.

Shao broke the deadlock early in extra-time with a curling strike from just inside the box, but Wurigumula had a penalty saved by Taiwan goalkeeper Chang Chi-Lan in the second period, keeping China on edge.

China made it 2-0 in the dying minutes of extra-time when a cross cannoned into Taiwan defender Chen Ying-Hui and in for a goal.

There didn’t appear to be a repeat of the controversy in Sydney, when former Taiwan coach Chen Kuei-jen was ejected from the stadium during the 3-1 win over India for leading a “Go Taiwan” chant.

Taiwan compete under the name Chinese Taipei in international sporting events.

China had 71.7 per cent possession in the first half of Saturday’s match but it only translated to five shots — and just one on target — due to Taiwan’s water-tight defence.

The one time China truly broke through was in the 39th minute when Zhang Xin’s inch-perfect cross was headed in by Wang Shuang.

But China’s celebrations were short lived, with the VAR revealing Wang had committed a handball in the lead-up play while attempting to chest down the ball.

China unleashed 26 shots to two for the match and enjoyed 72 per cent possession.

What happens next?

The Matildas will play China in the first semi-finals match in Perth on Tuesday, March 17.

There is no word yet on whether star players Hayley Raso or Steph Catley, ruled out of the clash against North Korea with injuries, will return to the pitch.

The remaining quarter-finals fixtures will play out over the next 24 hours.

South Korea will play Uzbekistan on Sunday night. Japan will play the Philippines on Monday afternoon.

The winners of those two matches will face off in the second semi-finals match in Sydney on Wednesday, March 18.

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