AFC Women’s Asian Cup began on 20th January and we all witnessed some entertaining matches. Also, there were some wonderful goals on the display from the group stage to the Quarterfinals, the semi-finals, and as well as Finals. Now that the Final has been played and the tournament is over we take a review of the Final that was played between China PR and the Korea Republic. Have a look as we review the game with exclusive match highlights and match reports.
Summary of the Knockout Stages till the Semi-Finals stage
CHINA PR’s Road to the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup Final
KOREA REPUBLIC’s Road to the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup Final
Below is the Match Review of the Final
The Starting Lineup for both teams in the Final
FINAL MATCH SUMMARY – CHINA PR (3) – (2) KOREA REPUBLIC
China came back from two goals down to defeat Korea 3-2 in a dramatic final and clinch their record-extending ninth title of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup on Sunday at the DY Patil Stadium.
China entered the final chasing a record-extending ninth AFC Women’s Asian Cup title against a Korea side who had never laid their hands on the coveted trophy.
MATCH REPORT
China, unbeaten in seven previous meetings with Korea, started the game brightly and had the first look at the goal within seconds when Wu Chengshu played the ball to Tang Jiali just above the area, but the midfielder’s effort was easily dealt with by Korea goalkeeper Kim Jung-mi. China continued to press with Zhang Xin trying from 35 yards out while Wang Shuang saw her effort in the 10th minute saved by Kim.
Korea began to see more of the ball as the half progressed and were rewarded with their first look at goal in the 27th minute, with Lee Geum-min breaking into the box before sending a cross to Choe Yu-Ri to score the 100th goal of the tournament. With Korea in the ascendancy, China survived a scare at the half-hour mark, goalkeeper Zhou Yu pulling off a point-blank save to deny Lim Seon-Joo’s header off a free-kick.
China, however, suffered more woe in the closing stages of the first half when a VAR review saw Korea awarded a penalty following Yao Lingwei’s handball, with Ji So-Yun converting from the spot. China head coach Shui Qingxia sent on Xiao Yuyi and Zhang Rui at the start of the second half to force their way back into the game but Korea Republic gave them little room to operate in the early stages.
China received a lifeline when they were awarded a penalty after Lee Young-Ju’s handball, with Tang Jiali netting from the spot in the 68th minute. Boosted by the goal, China began to dictate play and drew level four minutes later thanks to some poor defending by Korea. Goalscorer Tang did well to beat two Korea defenders before sending a delightful cross into the six-yard box for an unmarked Zhang Linyan to nod home the equaliser.
Korea could have then won it at the death with Zhou Yu pulling off a one-handed save before defender Wang Xiaoxue blocked Son Hwa-Yeon’s effort. Having escaped, China broke Korea Republic’s hearts in added time with Xiao Yuyi stunningly finishing off Wang Shanshan’s assist.
MATCH CONCLUSION
Korea Republic looked to be cruising to their maiden crown after taking a 2-0 lead at half-time but China fought back after the breakthrough goals from Tang Jiali, Zhang Linyan, and Xiao Yuyi, who netted the winner deep into added time to seal her side the title for the ninth time in their history.
FULL-TIME MATCH STATISTICS
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
CHINA PR ARE THE CHAMPIONS OF THE 2022 AFC WOMEN’S ASIAN CUP
Here is the moment when China PR lifted the trophy for the 9th time in their history!
Below are the Individual award winners in the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup
1) TOP GOALSCORER OF THE TOURNAMENT – SAM KERR (AUSTRALIA)
Australia’s Sam Kerr won the Golden Boot of the tournament for his 7 goal contribution to help the Matildas reach the quarterfinals of the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
Below is the list of the Top 7 goalscorers in the tournament.
2) MOST VALUABLE PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT AWARD – WANG SHANSHAN
Wang Shanshan has scored 5 goals in the tournament and she was the most important player in the tournament for his match-winning performances against Vietnam, Japan, and the Korea Republic.
3) BEST GOALKEEPER OF THE TOURNAMENT – ZHU YU (CHINA PR)
Goalkeeper Zhu Yu was awarded the Best Goalkeeper of the tournament award for her matchwinning saves and important clean sheets on the way to the final. She has been a wall for her Nation.
CONCLUSION OF THE 2022 AFC WOMEN’S ASIAN CUP
Now that the tournament ended, IFTWC would like to thank all the 12 teams that participated in the competition for their efforts, dedication, and hard work throughout the competition. We would like to wish all the team the best of luck for future events. It has been our honour to be able to cover the entire tournament. We hope to do the same work for the next editions as well. ~ ‘IFTWC‘
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