Alen Stajcic has led the Philippines into to their first ever Asian Cup semi-final after beating Chinese Taipei on penalties.
Former Matildas coach Alen Stajcic has masterminded the Philippines to their greatest moment in football, guiding their women's team to a first ever Asian Cup semi-final.
On a historic night which saw goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel make two saves and score one in the 4-3 penalty shootout win over Chinese Taipei, the Philippines also booked a berth in the FIFA Women's World Cup, held in Australia and New Zealand in 2023, for the first time.
"It's an unbelievable achievement by the group, and a moment in history for the country, you won't be able to take that away from the group," Stajcic said.
"For now, every young kid back at home in the Philippines can be inspired to get to the World Cup themselves. The group is really proud of each other, but they're even more proud to inspire the next generation."
History-makers ππ½πͺπ½
β #WAC2022 (@afcasiancup) January 30, 2022
π ON Òž‘︠π΅π The Malditas explore unknown measures of Pride & Joy π€©π₯
First #WAC Semi-Final Γ’Εβ¦ | First #FIFAWWC π«Γ’Εβ¦#WAC2022 | #TPEvPHI pic.twitter.com/7HQ2DjAaBT
In the final four they will face Korea Republic, who were shock 1-0 winners over the Matildas earlier on Sunday, in the semi-finals on Thursday.
Three-time Asian Cup winners Chinese Taipei went behind in the 48th minute when Quinley Quezeda redirected Katrina Guillou's header past goalkeeper Cheng Ssu-Yu from close range.
Chinese Taipei's determination was finally rewarded in the 82nd minute when Zhuo Li-Ping found the top right corner of the net from 25 yards out to force the match into extra time.
Neither side were able to break the deadlock in the extra 30 minutes with McDaniel's heroics eventually seeing the Philippines prevailing.
Japan, the two-time defending champions, will face China in the other semi after 7-0 and 3-1 wins over Thailand and Vietnam respectively.
Further AFC news can be found on their website.
Related Articles

'Best experience, I think, in my coaching career' says Stajcic of the Malditas

'I can't get distracted by other people's problems': Stajcic refuses to revel in Matildas misery

2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup Quarter-Final results: History made, shock Matildas exit
Latest News

Postecoglou signs four-year deal with EPL giants Spurs

Ange's savvy transfers can transform Spurs: Arnold

Uncompromising Ange keeps driving Aust football forward
Most Read

'Ridiculous offers': Clubs queue to poach Mariners miracle man Montgomery

EXCLUSIVE: Gun defender snubs Italy for Australia

It's Tottenham Ozspur: Aussie duo behind Spurs swoop for Postecoglou
