Fujino's move paying off for Japan

Thu, 19 Mar, 2026

Fujino's move paying off for Japan

Sydney: Aoba Fujino took another gigantic step in her budding career after helping Japan reach the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ final on Wednesday.

The 22-year-old was the standout performer in the 4-1 semi-final win against Korea Republic as they booked a showdown against Australia on Saturday, with Fujino expressing her pride at Japan’s ability to adapt to what was in front of them.

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Nielsen delighted with Japan’s super show

Wed, 18 Mar, 2026

Nielsen delighted with Japan’s super show

Sydney: Japan’s near-flawless display in their 4-1 defeat of Korea Republic on Wednesday to secure a place in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ final left head coach Nils Nielsen purring with delight.

Billed as Japan’s toughest match of the tournament, there was never any doubt who would take the win once the match got going at Stadium Australia with Nielsen’s charges dominantly setting up a final against Australia.

First half goals ended our chances, admits Korea Republic’s Shin

Thu, 19 Mar, 2026

First half goals ended our chances, admits Korea Republic’s Shin

Sydney: Head coach Shin Sang-woo expressed pride in his Korea Republic players despite the 4-1 defeat to Japan in their AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026™ semi-final on Wednesday.

Japan piled on the pressure from the first blow of the whistle with their intensity rewarded with a 2-0 lead after 25 minutes through efforts from Riko Ueki and Maika Hamano, leaving Korea Republic with a mountain to climb.

In trying to cope with Japan’s attack, Shin opted for a defence of five players but it was soon apparent that his side were struggling to cope with the high press before switching for a back four towards the end of the first half.

Foord expects Australia to go all the way

Tue, 17 Mar, 2026

Foord expects Australia to go all the way

Perth: Caitlin Foord has challenged Australia to go all the way after the Matildas booked their spot in the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™ final with a 2-1 win against China PR on Tuesday.

Foord netted the first in the 17th minute with a special strike before setting up Sam Kerr for the winner in the 58th, with China PR having equalised through Zhang Linyan’s spot-kick in the 26th at Perth Stadium.

China PR’s Milicic looks forward after semi-final disappointment

Tue, 17 Mar, 2026

China PR’s Milicic looks forward after semi-final disappointment

Perth: Ante Milicic wasn’t too despondent following China PR’s exit from the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™ on Tuesday.

The defending champions, despite going toe-to-toe with Australia, struggled to create chances as they exited the tournament with the hosts sealing a 2-1 win through goals from Caitlin Foord and Sam Kerr, with Zhang Linyan having equalised from the penalty spot.