AFC Women's Asian Cup
Defeat against Australia in their opener on Sunday has not dampened the team’s spirits and the 44-year-old was encouraged by the gritty display in the narrow 1-0 loss against the Matildas, vowing that supporters can expect more of the same.
“We've obviously had a very tough game against the hosts, but now our direction looks towards Korea and we'll experience one of the best and strongest teams in the competition,” he said. “We just want to perform really well for the country. I know the girls will fight to the death; we just want to show our heart and determination, and I think that (the result) will take care of itself if we do that.
“Obviously, we want to score as many goals (as possible) in every game that we play, but we are focused to make sure that we also don't concede. So we are extra determined to make sure that we give a really good performance.”
“Obviously, we want to score as many goals (as possible) in every game that we play, but we are focused to make sure that we also don't concede. So we are extra determined to make sure that we give a really good performance.”
#WAC2026 | Group A: Australia 1-0 Philippines
While Korea Republic have won all six previous meetings–the latest being two friendlies in April 2024–and are ranked 22nd by FIFA, 19 places above the Philippines, Torcaso urged his players to concentrate on themselves and draw on the “collective, disciplined and connected” mentality that has been fostered since he took over in August 2023.
“They have got some world class players (but) we are really focusing on us and what we can do, not necessarily worrying so much about the opponent,” he said. “But you know, (Islamic Republic of) Iran put up a really good fight, a disciplined fight, against Korea, and I think we have to do a very similar thing as well.”
“They have got some world class players (but) we are really focusing on us and what we can do, not necessarily worrying so much about the opponent,” he said. “But you know, (Islamic Republic of) Iran put up a really good fight, a disciplined fight, against Korea, and I think we have to do a very similar thing as well.”
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For the Taegeuk Ladies, who saw off Iran 3-0 in their first match, another victory would likely seal progress to the knockouts as they hunt a first ever title.
Head coach Shin Sang-woo, who was not fully satisfied despite the winning start, believes there is more to come from the 2022 finalists and noted that some changes could be made to refresh the line-up.
Head coach Shin Sang-woo, who was not fully satisfied despite the winning start, believes there is more to come from the 2022 finalists and noted that some changes could be made to refresh the line-up.
#WAC2026 | Group A: Korea Republic 3-0 IR Iran
“I think my players are now (better) adjusted to the field and (tournament) conditions, so I expect a better match tomorrow,” he said. “I think every team deserves respect… the Philippines are also very strong opponents and as we (have) analysed them, they are very well organised in defence and good at counter-attacking.
“In the first match our experienced players showed very good performances, and for tomorrow I am expecting better performance from the younger players (who might come in) because we have a short recovery time.”
“In the first match our experienced players showed very good performances, and for tomorrow I am expecting better performance from the younger players (who might come in) because we have a short recovery time.”
One of those who might get an opportunity is forward Jeon Yu-gyeong, who is awaiting her tournament debut. The 22-year-old enjoyed a fantastic debut professional season in 2025, scoring 11 times in 21 league games to help Molde earn promotion to the Norwegian top flight.
With two senior caps to date after making her bow last June, Jeon is raring to go.
“I played many games last season and I learned a lot of things that I might not have learned from (playing in) Korea; by facing European opponents, I can identify my weaknesses and I can fix them (so) it helped me really improve as a player,” she said.
“Although I did not play in the first match, the atmosphere and support of the fans really gave me good feelings. If I get the opportunity tomorrow, I will do my best to contribute in any way for the team to get the victory.”
With two senior caps to date after making her bow last June, Jeon is raring to go.
“I played many games last season and I learned a lot of things that I might not have learned from (playing in) Korea; by facing European opponents, I can identify my weaknesses and I can fix them (so) it helped me really improve as a player,” she said.
“Although I did not play in the first match, the atmosphere and support of the fans really gave me good feelings. If I get the opportunity tomorrow, I will do my best to contribute in any way for the team to get the victory.”
Trivia
● Korea Republic have won both of their two encounters with the Philippines at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, outscoring them 7-0 across those fixtures; however, this will be the first time that these teams have met during the group stage of the competition.
● Korea Republic have won both of their two encounters with the Philippines at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, outscoring them 7-0 across those fixtures; however, this will be the first time that these teams have met during the group stage of the competition.
● The Philippines have won only two of their last six group stage matches at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup (L4) but have managed at least one group stage win at each of their last three appearances at the tournament, while Korea Republic have scored at least one goal in each of their last nine games at the tournament (W7 D1 L1) which is one shy of their record at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup (10 games from 1997 to 2001).
● The Philippines made 26 tackles on the opening matchday of Australia 2026, more than twice as many as any other Group A team, while their 53 clearances were the most of any team in a game at the tournament since Thailand made 66 against Australia on 17/04/2018.
● Sara Eggesvik (Philippines) contested 16 duels in the opener against Australia, at least four more than any other player in Group A, while her eight aerial duels were also just one shy of Group A leader Clare Wheeler (9).
● Korea Republic’s Kim Hye-ri created six scoring chances on Matchday 1, the most of any player in Group A, as well as scoring one goal and making one assist; in fact, she’s now been directly involved in three goals across her last three appearances at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup (1 goal, 2 assists), including one assist in the game against the Philippines.
Philippines v Korea Republic
Venue: Gold Coast Stadium
Kick-off: Thursday, 13:00 (UTC +10)
Venue: Gold Coast Stadium
Kick-off: Thursday, 13:00 (UTC +10)
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