Update: China beats Uzbekistan to reach Women's Asian Cup quarterfinal

SYDNEY, March 6 (Xinhua) -- China head coach Ante Milicic praised his team's control of the match after beating Uzbekistan 3-0 on Friday night to guarantee progression to the quarterfinal of the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup

In a dominant performance, China had 27 shots with 78 percent possession, while Uzbekistan failed to make a single attempt on goal.

"We were in control and kept a clean sheet in a difficult game at times," Milicic told reporters after the match.

"The main thing is we won the game and now we are qualified for the quarterfinal."

Striker Shao Ziqin opened the scoring in the 30th minute when she won a penalty and then converted it.

Li doubled the advantage in the 51st minute with a lob from the edge of the area after a poor clearance from Uzbekistan.

China sealed the win in the 77th minute when Zhang Xin delivered a cross from the right, and Li out-jumped Uzbekistan's defenders to finish with a header.

Speaking alongside Milicic, Li said that the team had kept a calm mindset throughout the match and were able to execute what they had worked on in training.

Milicic, who made nine changes to Friday's starting 11 from the first group stage match against Bangladesh, said that it was always part of the plan to rotate the squad through the group stage.

Li Mengwen, who started the match in defense, said that large scale rotation of the squad is beneficial for herself and every player.

Earlier on Friday, DPR Korea crushed Bangladesh 5-0. The result leaves China in second place in Group B, sitting behind DPR Korea on goal difference.

China will play DPR Korea in its third and final group stage match at Western Sydney Stadium on Monday night in a head-to-head clash for top spot in Group B. ■