United News of Bangladesh

Sam Kerr scored the decisive goal in the second half as Australia defeated defending champion China 2-1 on Tuesday to book a place in the Women’s Asian Cup final. The experienced Chelsea forward initiated the move from midfield and finished it with a left-foot strike from a tight angle in the 58th minute, breaking a 1-1 deadlock carried over from the first half. Australia will face the winner of Wednesday’s semifinal between Japan and South Korea. The hosts last lifted the continental title in 2010. China beat Taiwan 2-0 in extra time to reach Women’s Asian Cup semifinals Caitlin Foord had put Australia ahead in the 17th minute, finishing a move that began with Mary Fowler linking up with Ellie Carpenter on the right flank. Carpenter delivered a cross into the box, which Fowler cut back for Foord to score. China leveled the match in the 26th minute when Zhang Linyan converted from the penalty spot after being brought down by goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold following a defensive mistake. All four semifinalists have secured automatic qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, while the losing quarterfinalists will compete in playoffs for two additional spots in Brazil. Meanwhile, Iran players Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, who stayed in Australia on protection visas after their team’s group-stage exit, were seen training with Brisbane Roar in their first public appearance since being granted asylum.