Philippine Malditas yield to tough Koreans

MANILA, Philippines — Fancied Korea dashed the Philippine Malditas’ World Cup dreams, dealing the Filipinas a 5-0 beatdown to clinch fifth place honors in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Monday night in Amman, Jordan (early yesterday in Manila) and catch the last bus to the prestigious global bootfest in France.

Skipper Cho So-hyun fired a brace (66’, 84’) after the opening goals by Jang Sel Gi (34’), Lee Min-a (45+3), and Lim Seon joo (56’) as the Koreans beat the ambitious Malditas for the remaining Asian berth to next year’s WWC.

The world No. 16 Koreans joined Australia, Japan, China and Thailand, which progressed outright to the June 2019 World Cup by reaching the WAC semifinals. 

The loss put an end to the magical run of the gutsy Malditas, who gallantly bidded to crash the biggest stage.

“We had hoped for a Miracle in Jordan, but having played against the best teams in Asia is already a great honor and a memorable experience for the Philippine Women’s National Team,” said Philippine Football Federation president Nonong Araneta. 

On their maiden appearance in the WAC under the current qualification process, the Pinay booters made their presence felt by rallying past host Jordan, 2-1, to move a win away from making history.