Japan overcame regional rivals China PR 3-1 in the semi-finals to confirm their eagerly anticipated title showdown with the Matildas, a win that followed a group stage campaign which saw them finish second in Group B behind the table-topping Australians.

With the Nadeshiko gradually gaining momentum, Sakaguchi feels her country’s last four success has given Asako Takakura’s charges a distinctly welcome boost.

Australia struggled to see off a gallant Thailand, while Japan flexed their muscles to beat China PR 3-1 in the semi-finals, setting the stage for another chapter in Asian women football’s most fascinating rivalry.

But with another meeting with the Matildas looming, former playing great Takakura, who celebrated her 50th birthday on Thursday, revealed that she was only thinking about her side.

“I set three objectives before we started this tournament – to qualify for the (FIFA Women’s) World Cup, to defend the title as Asian champions and, lastly, individual and team development,” she said.

“We are just focusing on what we should do as a team… I’d like to concentrate on how we can show our football, Japanese football. That’s all I’m thinking of.”

Despite requiring late equalisers against Japan on Matchday Three, and Thailand in the semi-final, Australia have reached a third consecutive continental decider and a second consecutively against the Nadeshiko.

Speaking on the eve of the fixture, Stajcic said that his side lifting the trophy at the Amman International Stadium would significantly assist the game’s growth in Australia.

---

2014 AFC Women’s Asian Cup Final – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 25 May 2014

JAPAN 1 (Iwashimizu 28’)

AUSTRALIA 0

The then-world champions added a first Asian title to their list of international honours thanks to Azusa Iwashimizu’s first-half header from a Japanese short corner routine.

Nadeshiko icons Homare Sawa and Aya Miyama finally got the chance to lift the AFC Women’s Asian Cup after an absorbing campaign, which included coming from two goals behind to earn a 2-2 draw in the group stage, and a 122nd minute extra-time winner, also from Iwashimizu, in the semi-final.

Alen Stajcic became Australia’s head coach just seven months before the tournament and reached the final, with 10 of his starting 11 in the final also earning selection for Jordan 2018.

JAPAN

The reigning champions will play in their fifth major tournament final in seven years after a challenging campaign, but one marked by steady improvement.

After kicking their campaign off with straightforward 4-0 win over Vietnam, the Nadeshiko faced a difficult first half in a scoreless encounter with Korea Republic before producing a much improved display, and securing a place in the semi-finals, in a gripping 1-1 draw against pre-tournament favourites Australia.

Asako Takakura’s side continued their upward trajectory with a comprehensive 3-1 victory over China PR in the semi-final, with Player of the Match Mana Iwabuchi opening the scoring, before a brace by substitute Kumi Yokoyama put the result beyond doubt.

Tuesday’s semi-final was one Arnold will surely never forget, with the 24-year-old recovering from a subpar performance between the posts to produce three consecutive penalty saves and lead Australia to a third successive final.

With Australia now preparing for Friday’s showdown with reigning champions Japan, Arnold revealed she felt an obligation to win the match for her side.

The East Asians head into the match having been beaten 3-1 by Japan in the semi-finals, a defeat which followed an impressive group stage campaign that had seen the Steel Roses record victories in all three of their fixtures.

Having already secured a spot at next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in France, Eyjolfsson is now eager to banish any lingering disappointment connected with their loss in the last four with a rousing finale against a Thailand side they beat 4-0 in the group stage.

“We are of course disappointed that we lost against Japan,” declared the Icelandic tactician.

“However, that game is in the past and we are now absolutely focused on our next game. We know that it is going to be a tough game for us, as Thailand were unlucky not to win against Australia, but this is a new match.

“You never know beforehand if your team is going to play to the level you expect, but the game against Thailand certainly promises to be an exciting match.

“It really does not matter what has happened in the past, all that matters is that you look forward and focus on winning the next game you have, which is something we absolutely intend to do.”