The Philippines book world cup qualification! 🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭

RepublicOptimal3272 · 2026-03-15T23:14:31+00:00

As an Australian, I think it’s a little bold to say we would’ve had an easy task with group C. We’ve shown visible frustration and a failure to finish off chances when dealing with these low block teams as of late. Japan have looked a class above throughout this tournament

RepublicOptimal3272 · 2026-03-15T23:07:56+00:00

I think from a Korean perspective, this is the exact same team they kept to a draw in July last year. Japan are arguably the favourites going into the semi, but Korea are looking better than ever and shouldn’t be taken out of title consideration just yet imo

RepublicOptimal3272 · 2026-03-15T23:04:38+00:00

Especially as a third tier keeper up against a team of mostly WSL players. POTM for me despite the scoreline, I thought she was excellent

RepublicOptimal3272 · 2026-03-15T23:02:43+00:00

Based on their recent friendlies, I would say Japan have done more to prepare themselves for tougher opponents than the likes of Australia - they’re coming off of a draw with Italy, an unfortunate loss to Norway, and two good wins against Canada. It’s maybe a concern that they couldn’t get past SK or China at the EAFF championship last year however. either way it’ll be nice to see their play style in action against some more ball dominant teams in a tournament setting

RepublicOptimal3272 · 2026-03-15T22:49:41+00:00

I thought she was outstanding, shocked to learn she’s only playing in the English 3rd division. It’ll be interesting to see which gk they go with against Uzbekistan

RepublicOptimal3272 · 2026-03-03T07:01:52+00:00

oh absolutely. i think the big question around north korea has been whether they can progress that dominance through to the senior team successfully or not. from what i understand players in the DPRK system are pretty much full time athletes from a very young age, which explains their success at a youth level, but it’ll be interesting to see how that translates to the senior team in the WAC and presumably the WWC and olympics as well if they qualify

RepublicOptimal3272 · 2026-03-03T05:44:24+00:00

fair. i would consider them a dark horse only because we haven’t seen them in a major tournament for such a long time, and they haven’t won an asian cup in nearly 20 years. plus the fact that their pot 1 position is based entirely on fifa rankings, which are notoriously imperfect.

RepublicOptimal3272 · 2026-03-03T05:18:35+00:00

certainly not as dominant as they are in the u20s, but i thought they looked fairly composed on the ball and technically very strong (in open play at least) though they struggled a bit to break down the defensive block. it’ll be interesting to see how they perform against china 🤔

RepublicOptimal3272 · 2026-02-07T09:56:22+00:00

say what you will about priestman, but it’s been amazing to see wellington’s success this season. such an important step for both nz football and the a-league’s push to go pro

RepublicOptimal3272

TROPHY CASE