China defeated Taiwan 2-0 in extra time in a tense Women's Asian Cup quarterfinal in Perth on Saturday, setting up a semifinal showdown against the Matildas on Tuesday night.
In front of 5,238 fans, China took the lead in the fourth minute of extra time through Shao Ziqin, before an own goal by Chen Ying-hui in the 118th minute sealed the win.
Defending champions China had to work harder than expected against world No. 40 Taiwan, who employed a watertight defense. China had 71.7% possession in the first half but only managed five shots, with just one on target.
China had a goal disallowed in the 39th minute when Wang Shuang was penalized for handball after a VAR review. Yao Wei hit the upright in the seventh minute of stoppage time, forcing extra time.
Shao broke the deadlock early in extra time with a curling strike from inside the box, and Wurigumula had a penalty saved by Taiwan goalkeeper Chang Chi-lan in the second period. China made it 2-0 when a cross deflected off Chen Ying-hui and into the goal.
The Matildas will face China at Optus Stadium in Perth on Tuesday, March 17, after securing their semifinal spot with a 2-1 win over North Korea on Friday.
