The Philippines takes the first of two cracks at a Women’s World Cup berth when the Malditas battle a powerhouse China side on Monday night in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup at Amman International Stadium in Jordan.
Coming off a stunning 2-1 win over Jordan on Saturday, the Malditas are looking to clinch a semifinal berth in the eight-team tournament that will also give them a first-ever Women’s World Cup spot in France.
With five spots allotted to Asia for the World Cup, the Malditas gave themselves the inside track to make the prestigious event after the victory over Jordan.
But they will be the underdogs against the Chinese, who posted an emphatic 4-0 win over Thailand in their first game in Group A.
If the Malditas are unable to pick up at least a point against the Chinese, their clash against the Thais on Tuesday could determine their fate.
Malditas’ French coach Rabah Benlarbi plans to rest some of his key players against China.
“I believe qualification will be achieved against Thailand and not against China,” said Benlarbi.
If they finish third, the Malditas still have a chance as they battle the third placer in Group B.