QUICK TAKE: On January 23, the official website of the AFC announced a heavy news that our women's soccer team's original showdown with India in the group stage of this year's Asian Cup has been canceled for some reason.
The recent outbreak of the New Crown Epidemic within the Indian women's soccer team, with fewer than 13 players participating, has triggered emergency measures by the AFC. In accordance with Clause 4.1 of the Special Rules for AFC Tournaments during Epidemics and Clause 6 of the AFC Women's Asian Cup India 2022 Competition Regulations, the original second round match between China's Taipei and India has also been canceled. However, the AFC has yet to make an official announcement regarding the cancellation of the third round match between India and China.
Looking at the group stage, China's women's soccer team is in Group A with hosts India, Iran and Chinese Taipei. In the first round of matches, China's women's soccer team easily defeated China's Taipei women's soccer team with a score of 4-0, while India's women's soccer team and Iran's women's soccer team drew 0-0. In the second round of matches, China's women's soccer team is 7-0 victory over the Iranian team, two consecutive victories make them advance a round of lock qualification.
As per the rules, the top two teams from each group as well as the two best performing third-placed teams from the group will advance to the last eight. It is worth noting that this Asian Cup also serves as a selection tournament for the 2023 Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, so the five best performing teams will qualify directly for the World Cup, with the exception of hosts Australia. (Source: DD)
