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AFC Women's Asian Cup
After being frustrated for 90 minutes, China PR finally found a way through thanks to Shao Ziqin, with an own goal from Chen Ying-Hui taking the defending champions through and earning them their ticket to the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027.
#WAC2026 | Quarter-final: China PR 2-0 (AET) Chinese Taipei
“The afternoon kick-off was a bit different for us. In the end, we probably created enough chances to win the game in 90 minutes, but we didn’t,” said head coach Milicic. “With so much on the line, it was normal to feel a little anxious.
“We came with a plan and stuck to it and now we are in the semi-finals. I’m comfortable with the decisions I’ve made. With travels in Australia, you must plan for six games and there’s no right or wrong way (tactics). It’s my responsibility and I have a group of players who feel part of the team.
“I felt we were fairly well in control. We won the game, qualified for the FIFA Women’s World Cup. I’m just delighted for the players and staff. After the full-time whistle (at the end of 90 minutes), the message was to keep moving the ball, be patient but also get into better positions to cross, while remaining aware of the threat on transitions.”
“We came with a plan and stuck to it and now we are in the semi-finals. I’m comfortable with the decisions I’ve made. With travels in Australia, you must plan for six games and there’s no right or wrong way (tactics). It’s my responsibility and I have a group of players who feel part of the team.
“I felt we were fairly well in control. We won the game, qualified for the FIFA Women’s World Cup. I’m just delighted for the players and staff. After the full-time whistle (at the end of 90 minutes), the message was to keep moving the ball, be patient but also get into better positions to cross, while remaining aware of the threat on transitions.”
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It was not all plain sailing for China PR as forward Wang Shuang will be suspended for Tuesday’s semi-final against Australia but Milicic is confident that his squad has enough depth to tackle the 2010 champions.
“Wang Shuang has been excellent for us throughout this tournament. I’ve been head coach for two years and of course losing her is a blow but at the same time, this tournament is about 26 players and it’s an opportunity for someone else to showcase their talent against Australia.
“She gave us everything and executed her role brilliantly. Now, we want to focus on getting the performance we need on Tuesday.”
“Wang Shuang has been excellent for us throughout this tournament. I’ve been head coach for two years and of course losing her is a blow but at the same time, this tournament is about 26 players and it’s an opportunity for someone else to showcase their talent against Australia.
“She gave us everything and executed her role brilliantly. Now, we want to focus on getting the performance we need on Tuesday.”
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The prospect of facing the Matildas in front of their fans may be nerve-wrecking but Milicic expressed confidence in his players’ mentality ahead of the clash.
“Being the favourites (against Chinese Taipei), we had to find a way against a low block. On Tuesday, we will be comfortable going up against the Matildas even without Wang Shuang; it doesn’t bother us.
“These players are unfazed playing in front of opposing crowds – their mentality as a nation is incredibly strong. They are not afraid of anyone and in fact that could even work to our advantage.
“These players are resilient and patriotic, and I see it every day. I would back these girls against any opponent.”
“Being the favourites (against Chinese Taipei), we had to find a way against a low block. On Tuesday, we will be comfortable going up against the Matildas even without Wang Shuang; it doesn’t bother us.
“These players are unfazed playing in front of opposing crowds – their mentality as a nation is incredibly strong. They are not afraid of anyone and in fact that could even work to our advantage.
“These players are resilient and patriotic, and I see it every day. I would back these girls against any opponent.”
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