PUNE: The Philippines are one win away from making history, and head coach Alen Stajcic believes his squad will do it against Chinese Taipei in the AFC Women's Asian Cup India 2022TM quarter-finals.

The Philippines are aiming to qualify for their first FIFA Women's World Cup, while Chinese Taipei is hoping to end their 31-year absence from the competition, with the winner of Sunday's encounter sealing their place in next year's global showpiece.

Chinese Taipei has the benefit of having played one less match in the group stage, but Stajcic is unconcerned.

“You could look at that two ways, and say that we’re got a little bit more fatigue, but on the flipside of that argument, we’re also a lot more match hardened after playing three tough matches to get to this point,” said Stajcic.

“They’ve made it to this level of the competition so they’ve shown enough. Against China (PR), they played a defensive game and tried to stay compact, and were successful for long periods, and against (Islamic Republic of Iran), they showed the other part of their game.

“Very similar to us, where we had different games against Australia and Indonesia. For me, it’s an extremely tight contest, a 50-50 match, and worthy of a quarter-final of the Asian Cup."

The Philippines' defense will be put to the test at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, as Chinese Taipei looked dangerous in their last Group A match against Iran.

Stajcic recognizes the threat posed by Chinese Taipei, but he believes the Malditas can rise to the challenge and make history while inspiring a nation.

“It’s not just the backline or the goalkeeper, the defence is every player on the field that starts from the front. Whilst I agree that the backline has done a really good job - particularly against Australia, ultimately defending is not a four or five-person game, it's an 11-person game. Every single person has to contribute, and we’ve seen a great team dynamic in that perspective, which has allowed us to be successful in that part of the game.

“I don’t have to kick the ball so I don’t feel any pressure. It’s going to be another fantastic occasion and a wonderful opportunity for our country to influence the next generation.

“The football fans back in the Philippines want to see their team succeed and reach the World Cup. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime and first time potentially for it to happen. To grow the game around the world, these opportunities have to happen to more and more countries, and this time it’s our turn. We are trying to reach the pinnacle of our sport.”

The two sides last met in the second round of the Olympic Qualifiers in 2019, with Chinese Taipei winning 4-2 under head coach Echigo Kazuo.

“The last game was two years ago,” said Kazuo. “Our team is new, and the Philippines also have new members.

“I’m so excited for the match tomorrow because it will be our key to the World Cup, so we are going to do our best.

“When the Philippines have possession, they will quickly transition into attack, and I think that’s one of their strengths but we will have our plans in place.”

Edited - SportsAction / Inputs - Agency