The 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup is finally here, and with it come a whole set of challenges for the 12 teams competing.
Join us as we look ahead to the group stages, starting with Group A, one of the more interesting groups with debutants Iran, hosts India, serial winners China PR and potential underdogs Chinese Taipei.
(Please kindly note that these previews are based on recent form, the groups and how teams are expected to fair within them – our predictions could come true, but as with anything in football, literally anything can happen. Take these as a fun exercise in seeing how teams will do, but also recognise that for some of these teams, just qualifying for the Asian Cup is a gigantic achievement and these teams should be celebrated regardless of how they perform.)
Group A – Potential Overall Standings
All signs point to China PR topping the group. The Steel Roses have always progressed beyond the group stages in all Asian Cup appearances and with one of the most experienced squads, one with a noted history of winning, it should prove to be a relatively straightforward time for the 8-time winners of the tournament.
The remaining three places? This could prove to be the most entertaining group of the bunch. Chinese Taipei are technical enough in their play, smart enough in their movement that they might nab second place from hosts India. The hosts on the other hand might steal a march on Chinese Taipei with their experience in the International Football Tournament in Manaus potentially spurring them on to improve their game – facing superior opposition and losing will yield more benefits than demolishing a lower ranked team so India might actually have an advantage, especially with having played so many more friendlies in the last three months.
Ultimately, Chinese Taipei seem the more likely to get that second spot and India might have to settle for third; this means that anything less than a win against Iran will rule them out for the potential knockout place.
Iran could surprise everyone and pick up a win or two (a win against China PR would be astonishing viewing), but it’s a difficult group for a debut nation. Perhaps their freshness to the tournament could bring about surprise results.
| 1. | China PR |
| 2. | Chinese Taipei |
| 3. | India |
| 4. | Iran |
📸: China PR
Group A – Match-by-Match
20.1.22 – China PR vs Chinese Taipei (15:30 IST)
The opening game of the tournament, from a historical point of view, is a politically fraught fixture. On the pitch? China PR will likely heavily dominate this fixture and stroll to an easy win. An underdog story would do wonders for the tournament, but China PR are simply a more developed side.
20.1.22 – India vs Iran (19:30 IST)
Oddly, the hosts kick off in the second game of the tournament (answers on a postcard for why the hosts don’t kick off?) but what a game it could be. Iran could either be paralysed or spurred on by their debut in the Asian Cup and could potentially upset India. They have enough power and strength up-top to really give the Indian defence a run for their money but it could ultimately be India’s experience of facing higher-ranked opposition that gets them over the line with a win.
23.1.22 – Iran v China PR (15:30 IST)
As if facing hosts India wasn’t bad enough, Iran then have to face the might of China PR. Again, an underdog story would be incredible, but China PR’s experience, quality and development will shine through and ultimately coast to victory.
23.1.22 – Chinese Taipei vs India (19:30 IST)
This could potentially be match of the group. Both are evenly matched, both are good footballing sides and both will want to guarantee that second place finish in the group. India have come out on top against Chinese Taipei in the past (India prevailed 1-0 on October 13th 2021, thanks to Renu’s 3rd minute goal) and despite the difference in ranking between them, India could dominate proceedings. India’s experiences against Brazil and Chile could see them edge past Chinese Taipei but don’t be surprised if Chinese Taipei upset the hosts. Of course, a draw is possible too.
26.1.22 – India vs China PR (19:30 IST)
Republic Day looks bleak for India. China PR will likely demolish the hosts and potentially field a younger side, having more than likely qualified for the knockout stage. Sorry India.
26.1.22 – Chinese Taipei vs Iran (19:30 IST)
Iran are the kind of side that make these previews frustrating – we have to respect that they are a good side and that they may surprise everyone but equally, we have to recognise that Chinese Taipei are technically better side. Even if Iran survive onslaught after onslaught, Chinese Taipei’s fitness levels could see them grab the win.
With Group A proving to be a diplomatic nightmare and a nightmare to predict, Group B offers a more straightforward set of circumstances.
Group B – Potential Overall Standings
Group B will likely end as it starts. Australia will win the group. Unfortunately it is that straightforward, being the much more developed side, boasting a roster of star names and ultimately being a good footballing side. Sadly there’s little more that can be said.
Thailand will grab that coveted second place spot – while not on the same level as 11th ranked Australia, they are undoubtedly the second best developed side in the group and will be expected to progress to the knockout stages.
The last two places could be swapped over but unfortunately, neither the Philippines nor Indonesia will offer up too much resistance to Australia and Thailand. Both are up-and-coming sides in world football so while it seems harsh to rule them out straight away, Indonesia’s 30-year absence from the tournament will likely be reflected in their finishing last. The Philippines might surprise against Thailand (from a neutral standpoint this would be the optimal result) but Thailand’s experiences at the World Cup, while not ideal, gave them a good set of experiences to draw on.
| 1. | Australia |
| 2. | Thailand |
| 3. | Philippines |
| 4. | Indonesia |
📸: Sam Kerr x Australia
Group B – Match-by-Match Preview
21.1.22 – Australia vs Indonesia (15:30 IST)
Australia will kick-off their campaign against Indonesia – unfortunately this will likely be a heavy victory in Australia’s favour and could ultimately be settled before half-time.
21.1.22 – Thailand v Philippines (17:30 IST)
The Philippines have enough quality in and around their squad that they might give Thailand a run for their money and potentially emerge as a surprise package. A draw would be an amazing result for the Philippines but a win would be unlikely. Thailand’s World Cup experiences should give a boost to the side and will likely dominate from start to finish. While the score might not exactly be as close to Thailand’s loss to the U.S. in 2019, the Philippines would do extremely well to avoid a drubbing.
24.1.22 – Philippines vs Australia (15:30 IST)
As per the Indonesia game, expect a valiant defensive performance from the Philippines but Australia’s superior squad, fitness and development will shine through with ease.
24.1.22 – Indonesia vs Thailand (17:30 IST)
While this won’t quite be as heavy a victory for Thailand as Australia’s, Thailand’s superior quality will give them a relatively straightforward win. Anything less will be seen as a disappointment, but a draw for Indonesia will be nothing short of superb.
27.1.22 – Australia vs Thailand (19:30 IST)
All signs point to an easy Australian victory. The recurring theme of this group will undoubtedly be the gap between Australia and the rest but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Thailand have come a long way since the 2019 World Cup and clearly are putting resources aside for the team so while it’s expected that they’ll lose, there’s the possibility that it won’t be as comprehensive.
27.1.22 – Philippines vs Indonesia (19:30 IST)
The Philippines’ squad is good enough that there likely won’t be too many surprises against neighbours Indonesia. While Indonesia might not be the most heavily backed team in the tournament, their impressively and absurdly young squad could ultimately be the start of something special and so even if they struggle, they’ll come away with incredible experience and have a squad capable of playing together for the next fifteen years.
📸: Phillipines Football WNT
Group C – Potential Overall Standings
Group C could pan out to be an interesting group to watch. While there will likely be a clear winner, there could be a superb fight for second place that could go down to the wire.
One thing is clear – Japan has the best chance of claiming the Group C throne. Of the four teams in Group C, the reigning Asian Cup champions have arguably the best squad that plays well together. The Japanese will be hoping to add a third successive Asian Cup to their repertoire of trophies and have the best chance of finishing the group stage in top spot.
Second place, on the other hand, could be an interesting battle. South Korea are obviously a star-studded team, but they don’t seem to perform on the big stage. Their ageing squad, while superb individually, could also be their downfall. Both Vietnam and Myanmar have younger squads which play into their hands as potentially having more boundless energy across the pitch. Myanmar as well should not underestimated and might well pose significant danger on the counter.
The remaining three places will likely end up finishing like this:
With all that said and done, South Korea will likely finish above Vietnam again, having done so in 2018. While they’ve yet to perform on the big stage in recent years, this could be their year with a new head coach and a team filled with players that somehow get better and better year on year. If they show togetherness, they could very well go a fair distance in the tournament. Vietnam’s young squad is a great factor in why they could upset South Korea, but it could very easily be their undoing. South Korea have experienced major tournaments together, including the World Cup, and that experience will likely translate into finishing second.
Vietnam will be unlucky to finish third as they’re a very good side, but their lack of major finals’ wins could be their undoing. Myanmar will have the best of the fourth place finishers, but it won’t be enough to see them edge above Vietnam.
| 1. | Japan |
| 2. | South Korea |
| 3. | Vietnam |
| 4. | Myanmar |
📸: Iwabuchi x Japan WNT
Group C – Match-by-match
21.1.22 – Japan vs Myanmar (13:30 IST)
Group C kicks off with reigning champions facing Myanmar in what should be a relatively easy win for the Japanese. Expect plenty of technical mastery on show from both sides who like to keep the ball and drive at pace. Japan have enough about them, both quality-wise and in terms of togetherness, that this should be the first win on the board.
21.1.22 – South Korea vs Vietnam (19:30 IST)
With South Korea’s relatively mediocre record (at least when you look at the star-studded roster they can boast) in recent editions and ageing squad, this could be a tough match for the Taeguk Ladies. It’ll be new boss Colin Bell’s competitive debut as South Korea’s new head coach and there will be a lot of pressure on him to get off to a good start against Vietnam. Thankfully for South Korea, their vastly experienced squad will earn a relatively easy victory – perhaps not as easy as the 4-0 victory in 2018 it should be said. Vietnam will pose plenty of threat in the final third but it’s whether that backline can keep Ji So-Yun and Lee Geum-min quiet that’ll prove decisive.
24.1.22 – Myanmar vs South Korea (13:30 IST)
South Korea should comfortably come out on top against Myanmar, though on Myanmar’s part, it won’t be because of a lack of trying. South Korea are just one of those nations whose team has had a lot of investment and time to grow – Myanmar are still relative newcomers and a much smaller country. If they were to get a draw against South Korea, it would be an immense reflection of how far they have come – whether it will happen is a different story altogether.
24.1.22 – Vietnam vs Japan (19:30 IST)
Again, all signs point to a Japanese victory. Vietnam might be able to frustrate Japan, but whether they keep Iwabuchi, Tanaka, Hasegawa and Sumida quiet is an entirely different matter. Vietnam would do extremely well to earn a draw, but it would seem unlikely.
27.1.22 – Japan vs South Korea (13:30 IST)
This will be the clash-of-the-titans match of Group C, that much is clear. Both teams are heavyweights in Asian women’s football, and it should be an entertaining match. Japan will likely have the edge, based on their World Cup performance and their win in 2018’s Asian Cup, but it probably won’t be an especially dominant victory if 2019’s 1-0 win is anything to go by. One thing’s certain: expect some of the smoothest and most technical football possible.
27.1.22 – Vietnam vs Myanmar (13:30 IST)
The final match of Group C could be a fascinating one particularly as both teams are on the rise in Asian women’s football. Form in previous encounters would point to Vietnam coming out on top, with the most recent victory in February 2020’s qualifying match for the Olympics. If Myanmar have closed the gap in the intervening period, it could be a special match. Based on form, we must edge in favour of a Vietnam win.
📸: Ji So-Yun x South Korea
Third Place
Much like the World Cup, the Asian Cup doesn’t just eliminate all teams below second place. The top two third-placed teams will be put into the quarter finals and will be decided much like the other positions – the number of points, wins, goals scored, etc.
And much like the previous previews, we’re going to have a wonder at who might be the best of the third-placed sides. Please note that these are based on recent form, the quality of opposition in their own groups and in relation to their potential results in these groups and are only predictions. To get this far for many of these teams is a colossal success and regardless of the results, these teams must be given the full respect they deserve.
Third Place Standings
| 1 | Vietnam |
| 2 | Philippines |
| 3 | India |
Starting from the bottom, hosts India will be extremely unlucky to find themselves bottom of the third placed teams. Sadly, in a group with Chinese Taipei and front-runners of their group, China PR, they’ll realistically find it hard going to pick up enough wins that will boost them above the Philippines. Their first match against Iran is therefore the most important of their campaign – anything less than a win will almost certainly consign them to a third place without the potential of progressing. As we’ve noted before, India have stepped up their game in the last year and may have benefitted from facing superior teams so take this with a pinch of salt.
The Philippines, meanwhile, will be expected to get a win against Indonesia which could guarantee their place in the quarter finals. Their group won’t quite have the same difficulties as Group A, but the Philippines need to avoid defeat to Indonesia and maybe try to get something out of their fixture against Thailand to really guarantee going beyond the group stage for the second time in as many years. Their 6th place finish in 2018 was a step-up from failing to get out of the group stages in the previous six editions that they featured in.
Vietnam are arguably the strongest of the sides expected to finish third. Unlike 2018, their group is not packed with three of Asia’s biggest teams which may work to their advantage. They need to contend with Japan and South Korea for a second consecutive year, but unlike that group in 2018, it isn’t completed with Australia – and that is with no disrespect intended towards Myanmar.
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Written by Unnati Naidu and James Whitehead
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