Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Amman: While external expectations surrounding Australia’s AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2018 campaign are high, those within the camp are even higher, according to head coach Alen Stajcic on the eve of the side’s Matchday One opener against Korea Republic
At the last edition of the tournament, Stajcic was a caretaker coach called upon at the last minute to replace Dutchwoman Hesterine de Reus and, while the astute boss guided the Matildas to the final, the preparations for Jordan 2018 are a world away from his previous experience.
“Over the last three or four years the team has come a long way,” he said.
“We’ve certainly matured a lot as a team together, both me as a coach and the playing group. We’ve developed a lot more consistency, maturity and professionalism on and off the field.
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Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Amman: Japan head coach Asako Takakura is quietly confident that her relatively new look side will still be a force to be reckoned with when they begin the defence of their AFC Women’s Asian Cup title against Vietnam at the King Abdullah II Stadium on Saturday.
The Japanese team enter the competition as reigning champions thanks to their success at the tournament’s last edition in 2014, continental glory that allowed them to go on and claim a runners-up spot at the FIFA Women’s World Cup just over a year later.
Despite the glowing reputation that precedes them, Takakura admits that all has, however, not been plain sailing for Japan, but is adamant the niggling issues that have surfaced can be overcome.
“In the last edition of the Women’s Asian Cup we won the title, but we are slowly building a new team,” said the 49-year-old who was appointed in 2016.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Amman: Few footballers reach 100 international caps, and even fewer can say they’ve done it twice, but talismanic Korea Republic attacking midfielder Ji So-yun remains focused on the task ahead
The 27-year-old star was in line to reach a century of international appearances a month ago, and started in Korea Republic’s final Algarve Cup match against Norway, only for it to be abandoned due to heavy rain.
The unusual circumstances mean Ji can now officially celebrate her 100th cap in Korea Republic’s AFC Women’s Asian Cup opener against Australia, but the Chelsea star isn't getting carried away with the personal milestone.
“Saturday’s match is very important for the team and, it’s true, it will be my 100th cap, but I just want to focus on the match rather than that,” she said.
Ji, who has been a crucial ingredient in Chelsea’s run to this season’s UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-finals, arrives in Jordan in top form, and believes her experience in Europe can benefit her team against Australia.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: After four painful final defeats, Miho Fukumoto became the first Japanese captain to lift the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in 2014, helping her side to a 1-0 win over Australia at the Thong Nhat Stadium in Vietnam.
Four years on, Fukumoto alongside 15 other class of 2014 members, have made way to a new generation to take on the mantle as the Nadeshiko look to defend their Asian throne.
Now aged 34, the former Japan goalkeeper kept three clean sheets and conceded only three goals en route to winning the 2014 title.
“We didn't do well against Australia in the opening game, but the squad managed to get over that fast,” said Fukumoto, remembering a night when Japan fought back from 2-0 down against the Matildas to earn a 2-2 draw with two goals in the final 20 minutes.