Milicic calls for 'calm and confident' approach to tense quarter-final

[p]The reigning champions are targeting a record-extending 10th continental title but are wary of an opponent that has shown improvement as the tournament has progressed.[/p][p]Taiwan were beaten 2-0 by strongly fancied [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/japan/ltLyWcnC/"]Japan[/a] in the group phase but were by no means outclassed.[/p][p]"[b]They gave Japan a very difficult game and then went on to win their next two matches, so we know this will be a tough proposition,[/b]" said Milicic ahead of the clash in Perth on Saturday.[/p][p]"But if we execute our game plan and perform to the level we know we can, that should be enough for us to get the result.[/p][p]"[b]If we follow a clear process, remain calm and confident and take it one game at a time, we can be successful and hopefully go further in the tournament.[/b]"[/p][p]Like [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/china/IFHViN7N/"]China[/a], Taiwan have enjoyed strong support at the tournament in Australia, but it has not been without controversy.[/p][p]During their last game, in Sydney against [a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/india/roU6mwR8/"]India[/a], former Taiwan coach Chen Kuei-jen was ejected from the stadium for leading a "Taiwan Jiayu", or "Go Taiwan", chant.[/p][p]His removal sparked a protest to the Asian Football Confederation from Taiwan's foreign ministry over "unequal treatment".[/p][embed guid="618bc627-8b98-43d7-8e7c-cd844467b523" url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=feLf5Azhd_w" social-type="youtube" /][p]Taiwan compete under the name "[a href="https://www.flashscore.ca/team/chinese-taipei/lpqZiIj1/"]Chinese Taipei[/a]" in international sports events.[/p][p]It is part of a political compromise with China that allows the island to take part in major competitions without presenting itself as a sovereign nation.[/p][p]China claims Taiwan as part of its territory.[/p][p]Taiwan coach Prasobchoke Chokemor focused on football in his pre-match press conference.[/p][p]"[b]We can say we did well against Japan, holding them to a 0-0 draw in the first half,[/b]" the Thai said.[/p][p]"[b]Tomorrow will be a different game tactically, but we are confident we can compete against top-level players if we stay focused on ourselves and fight as a team.[/b]"[/p][p]At stake is not only the semi-finals but also 2027 World Cup qualification with the top six finishers booking their tickets to the Brazil showpiece.[/p]