South Korea's women's national football team defeated the Philippines to secure their second consecutive group stage victory, staying on course for their first-ever AFC Women's Asian Cup title.
The team, led by head coach Shin Sang-woo, claimed a 3-0 victory over the Philippines in their Group A second match at Gold Coast Stadium in Queensland, Australia, on Sunday.
Having secured a 3-0 win against Iran in their opening match, South Korea's dominant three-goal victory over the Philippines puts the quarterfinals within reach.
The tournament features 12 nations divided into three groups. The top two teams from each group, along with the two best third-place finishers, advance to the quarterfinal knockout stage.
The four semifinalists and two teams surviving playoffs among eliminated quarterfinalists will secure berths at the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil.
South Korea launched aggressive attacks from the opening minutes, pressuring the Philippine goal.
The breakthrough came early. In the 12th minute, Jeon Yu-kyung (Molde) received a pass from Kim Shin-ji (Rangers) that Park Soo-jung (AC Milan) let run through to deceive defenders. The striker quickly turned and fired a left-footed shot into the net, scoring her debut international goal in her third cap.
Three minutes later, South Korea doubled their lead. Chu Hyo-ju (Ottawa) penetrated the left side of the penalty area and laid off the ball for Park Soo-jung, who curled a right-footed strike home from the left edge of the penalty arc.
Leading 2-0 at halftime, South Korea sealed the match in the 56th minute. When the Philippine goalkeeper failed to clear Kim Shin-ji's left-side corner kick, Moon Eun-ju (KSPO) pounced to finish with her right foot from close range.
South Korea held firm against late Philippine pressure to close out the victory.
South Korea faces Australia in their final group match at 6 p.m. KST on Wednesday.
