Glory for Kerr, Ji as Chelsea win FA Women’s League Cup

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Glory for Kerr, Ji as Chelsea win FA Women’s League Cup

Nottingham: Australia’s Sam Kerr claimed a rare piece of club silverware, while Korea Republic’s Ji So-yun added another trophy to her impressive collection as Chelsea beat London rivals Arsenal 2-1 to win the FA Women’s League Cup at the City Ground on Saturday.

An injury-time winner from two-goal striker Bethany England proved decisive, with an Arsenal side featuring Australian ace Catilin Foord, and coached by countryman Joe Montemurro, left to lament a missed opportunity.

Chelsea led at half-time but had to endure wave after wave of Arsenal attacks as the game wore on, with Leah Williamson equalising in the 85th minute, before England tapped in in the final moments to seal the win.

Takakura wants the title at SheBelieves Cup

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Takakura wants the title at SheBelieves Cup

Tokyo: Japan women’s national team head coach Asako Takakura has called on her side to compete strongly at next month’s US-based SheBelieves Cup, their final tournament before July’s Tokyo Olympics.

Speaking at the unveiling of the Nadeshiko’s squad for the round-robin competition, which also features the United States, Spain and England, Takakura said the Cup is one her side wants to win.

Takakura: I'd be lying if I said there was no pressure

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Takakura: I'd be lying if I said there was no pressure

Tokyo: Asako Takakura will be hoping she has a stay to remember in her nation’s capital. As coach of the Nadeshiko, hosts at Tokyo 2020, her goal will be to reach the gold medal match at the Olympic Stadium on 7 August.

After a tough learning curve for a young squad at the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019, Takakura’s troops have their focus firmly on this year’s Olympics.

FIFA.com sat down with the former midfielder and FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup-winning coach to discuss last year’s “disappointing” World Cup, and welcoming the world to Japan for Tokyo 2020.

Unchanged squad for Play-off as Matildas eye Tokyo 2020

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Unchanged squad for Play-off as Matildas eye Tokyo 2020

Sydney: Australian women’s national team head coach Ante Milicic has put an emphasis on consistency, naming an unchanged 20-strong squad for next month’s AFC Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament final Play-off against Vietnam.

Group winners in the previous round in Sydney, Milicic has rewarded his players by selecting an identical squad which claimed big wins over Chinese Taipei (7-0) and Thailand (6-0) before being pushed to the limit in a 1-1 draw with China PR.

Milicic vows to learn from Sydney scare

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Milicic vows to learn from Sydney scare

Sydney: Australia head coach Ante Milicic said his side must learn from being pushed to the limit by China PR at the Western Sydney Stadium on Thursday.

A supremely disciplined Steel Roses side came within 120 seconds of pulling off a shock away win against the World Number 7 Matildas, only to be denied by Emily van Egmond’s superb injury-time equaliser, which lifted the Australians above the Steel Roses on goal difference.

Good buildup will take China PR to Tokyo 2020, says skipper Wu

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Good buildup will take China PR to Tokyo 2020, says skipper Wu

Sydney: A fully fit China PR will be confident of qualifying for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics by overcoming Korea Republic in a two-legged play-off next month, according to captain Wu Haiyan.

Having overcome all manner of obstacles to advance from Group B of the Final Round of the AFC Women’s Olympic Qualifiers in Sydney over the past week, the Steel Roses came within two minutes of securing top spot with a shock win over Australia.

A spirited, disciplined performance looked to have paid dividends when Tang Jiali put China ahead in the 86th minute, only for Emily van Egmond’s rocket in the third minute of added time saving the day for the hosts, whose draw was enough for them to top the group on goal difference.

Bell urges Korea Republic to remain focused for Play-offs

Thu, 28 Oct, 2021

Bell urges Korea Republic to remain focused for Play-offs

Jeju: Head coach Colin Bell wants his Korea Republic players to stay on their toes after the East Asians defeated Vietnam 3-0 to seal top spot in Group A of the AFC Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament on Sunday.

The Taeguk Ladies found a way past an ultra defensive Vietnam with goals from Jang Sel-gi, Choo Hyo-joo and Ji So-yun to set up a date with the Group B runners-up in next month’s Play-offs.

Vietnam, who claimed second spot, will face the Group B winners with the triumphant teams from the Play-offs joining hosts Japan as Asia’s representatives at the 2020 Olympics.