MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines trailed by 1-0 early in the second half against Chinese Taipei despite having the lion’s share of possession and scoring chances. But that minor setback didn’t stop the Filipinas from swinging the Group A kickoff game back to their favor.
With a four-goal spree in the last 36 minutes of play led by the brace-churning Sarina Bolden, the Pinay booters chalked up the crucial opening victory in Round 2 of the AFC Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament, 4-1, yesterday at the Perth Rectangular Stadium in Australia.
Bolden, owner of the historic goal in the Philippines’ 1-0 upset of host New Zealand in the FIFA Women’s World Cup in July, cancelled out Hsu Yin-yu’s shocking goal in the 47th minute with her spot kick eight minutes later.
That breakthrough and tying goal further pumped up Marc Torcaso’s charges, who continued their ball dominance and bombarded the Taiwanese with three more.
Katrina Guillou, who had her first-half goal nullified due to offside position, couldn’t be denied this time as she flicked in the go-ahead off a fine assist from skipper Thanai Annis at the hour mark.
Then Bolden, cashing in on a scramble, fired her second of the match and 28th overall for the Philippines to widen the gap to 3-1.
Chandler McDaniel, who subbed for Bolden at the 85th, blasted a late strike off Angie Beard’s delivery to complete the romp.
The Filipinas thus reasserted their mastery of the Taiwanese, the same team they defeated on penalties, 4-3, in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup quarterfinals last year en route to WC qualification.
The Pinay booters now hope to carry this momentum when they face heavily favored host Australia on Sunday at the 60,000-seater Optus Stadium.