No easy path to World Cup

The Philippines’ hopes of nailing a Women’s World Cup spot got a boost when the Malditas landed in Group A together with Southeast Asian powerhouse Thailand, host Jordan and 13th ranked China in the Women’s Asian Cup next year.

The Malditas, who punched their ticket to the Asian Cup after finishing second in their group in the qualifying round in Tajikistan early this year, will be aiming for one of the five slots for Asia in the 2019 World Cup in France.

The draw looked favorable for the Malditas as three of the four-best ranked countries landed in the other group.

Reigning Asian Cup champion Japan will be joined in Group B by powerhouse Australia, South Korea and Vietnam.

“It’s not going to be easy but we see hope to make the next round,” said Malditas co-captain Inna Palacios.