PERTH (AFP): Hinata Miyazawa and Riko Ueki both hit hat-tricks as Japan powered to the cusp of the Women's Asian Cup quarter-finals with a statement 11-0 demolition of an outclassed India on Saturday.
Yuzuki Yamamoto scored after just four minutes to begin the rout in Perth and Japan were 5-0 up by half-time, with Manchester United's Miyazawa netting twice.
It was more of the same in the second half, with West Ham United's Ueki netting a quickfire treble and Miyazawa also scoring her third of the match.
The one-sided romp left Japan top of Group C with a maximum six points having beaten Taiwan 2-0 to start their title bid.
They have scored 13 goals and are yet to concede.
Taiwan and Vietnam each have three points and India are rock-bottom of the group with none.
Taiwan revived their hopes of reaching the knockout rounds with a 1-0 win over Vietnam in stifling heat in Perth earlier in the day.
The only goal of the game arrived in the 26th minute through Su Yu-hsuan when she nodded in from close range.
Vietnam beat India 2-1 to begin their tournament but, in temperatures approaching 40C, they found Taiwan to be a different proposition in front of a sparse crowd bathed in baking sunshine.
Vietnam ramped up the pressure in the closing stages but mustered just one shot on target all game.
North Korea, South Korea and hosts Australia are all already into the last eight with a game to spare, as are reigning champions China. -- AFP
