Philippines vs. Japan Match Observations

Match Observations from Japan’s 8-1 victory over the Philippines in the Quarterfinals of the 19th Asian Games 2023 (Featured Photo from the PFF/PWNT Media)

When the rain fell, the goals poured in against the 10-player Philippines as they shipped eight goals in an 8-1 massacre at the hands of Japan in the Quarterfinals of the Women’s division of Football at the 19th Asian Games. Goals from Momoko Tanikawa, Haruka Osawa, and Remina Chiba, and a poker (four-goal haul) from substitute Mami Ueno effectively labelled Sarina Bolden’s goal a consolation. Let’s look at what went down in that game.

1. Despite the lopsided scoreline, the Filipinas showed a fight against the Women’s World Cup Quarterfinalists

Japan were overwhelming favorites heading into this match so them getting chance after chance after chance against comes off as no surprise, but the resolute Filipinas were not going to be pushovers as they tried to give it to Japan in the hopes of making a breakthrough, Sarina Bolden’s effort from range just wide of the target, before getting on the scoresheet herself on 67 minutes to pull one back for the Philippines.

2. Bolden knocks in number 26

Speaking of which, only three things are certain: Death, Taxes, and Sarina Bolden scoring a goal. The 27-year-old further extends her record of highest goalscorer in the history of the Filipinas as she plundered home goal number 26.

3. Undone by unfortunate events

Push came to shove for the already-shorthanded Philippine team as captain Hali Long was given marching orders on 27 minutes for pushing Remina Chiba who was through on goal. A handball by Bella Pasion rocked the Filipinas back on their heels as Momoko Tanikawa put the penalty beyond Olivia McDaniel’s reach. It would stay that way until the fierce rain halted the game just before the end of first-half stoppage time.

4. A little bit of irony

You may have noticed that Japan took a shot towards the goal a lot as they tried to catch the Philippines off guard. Of all the shots that had a better chance at going in, whether it was from a distance or inside the box, the shot that went in was a penalty and easy chances. Probably the easiest of all the Japanese attempts and the worst shot to concede from, it had to be two penalties and frankly shambolic defending. If Japan had actually worked to get their goals instead of capitalizing on mistakes, maybe the loss wouldn’t have hurt as bad.

That said, this is not to knock Japan for only scoring those chances. They totally deserved to win after peppering McDaniel’s goal and for pouncing on the errors made, but if only they had scored better goals.

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The Filipinas bow out of the 19^th Asian Games as Japan march towards the Semifinals and play China. A surprise team awaits China or Japan as Uzbekistan and DPR Korea play each other on the other side of the bracket.

Philippines 1-8 Japan

Goals:

Sarina Bolden (67’) | Momoko Tanikawa (P’, 39), Haruka Osawa (58′, 90+4’), Remina Chiba (65’), Mami Ueno (P’ 76, 78’, 81’, 90+1’)