AFC Women's Asian Cup
In what is a second meeting between the sides at this stage of the continental showpiece, the-AFC.com takes a look at how they match up.
Goal galore
The two highest scorers meet with Japan on 24, 22 of which have come from inside the box with Riko Ueki leading with five goals. Korea Republic have scored a minimum of three goals in each of their four matches thus far, 12 of their 15 goals coming from attempts from inside the box with three players (Mun Eun-ju, Park Soo-jeong and Koo Yoo-jin) tied on two goals apiece.
The two highest scorers meet with Japan on 24, 22 of which have come from inside the box with Riko Ueki leading with five goals. Korea Republic have scored a minimum of three goals in each of their four matches thus far, 12 of their 15 goals coming from attempts from inside the box with three players (Mun Eun-ju, Park Soo-jeong and Koo Yoo-jin) tied on two goals apiece.
Defensive fortress
Japan have the meanest defence in the competition with none conceded thus far and have only allowed one shot on target against them (Group C match against Vietnam) and it will be interesting how they stand up against much stronger opposition in the semi-final. Korea Republic have kept a clean sheet in three of their four matches with the Australia tie the only game the defence led by Koo was breached from a quick counter attack, a set-piece and a momentary loss of focus.
Japan have the meanest defence in the competition with none conceded thus far and have only allowed one shot on target against them (Group C match against Vietnam) and it will be interesting how they stand up against much stronger opposition in the semi-final. Korea Republic have kept a clean sheet in three of their four matches with the Australia tie the only game the defence led by Koo was breached from a quick counter attack, a set-piece and a momentary loss of focus.
Intense pressure
Calmness under pressure could play a significant role in deciding who advances to the final with both teams having shown their capability in pressing high up, which leads to winning possession in the final third. This has allowed them to catch the opposition out before their defence is able to organise with Japan having 53 turnovers in the final third and Korea Republic at 26.
Calmness under pressure could play a significant role in deciding who advances to the final with both teams having shown their capability in pressing high up, which leads to winning possession in the final third. This has allowed them to catch the opposition out before their defence is able to organise with Japan having 53 turnovers in the final third and Korea Republic at 26.
Pass masters
Both teams play the passing game with Japan averaging 699 passes per game while Korea Republic average 580 per game. Japan, however, are able to mix it up as they produced 76% more open play crosses than their East Asian rivals, giving Shin Sang-woo much to think about in how to best restrict the opponents’ threat.
Both teams play the passing game with Japan averaging 699 passes per game while Korea Republic average 580 per game. Japan, however, are able to mix it up as they produced 76% more open play crosses than their East Asian rivals, giving Shin Sang-woo much to think about in how to best restrict the opponents’ threat.
Tricks and flicks
Where Korea Republic have looked stronger are in terms of take-ons with 29 successful dribbles from 54 attempts while Japan only managed 24 from 60 attempts. The Taegeuk Ladies have done it centrally through Mun (5), Ji So-yun (4) and Park (4) as well as from the flanks through Jang Sel-gi (5) while Mina Tanaka lead the way for the Nadeshiko with four successful dribbles.
Where Korea Republic have looked stronger are in terms of take-ons with 29 successful dribbles from 54 attempts while Japan only managed 24 from 60 attempts. The Taegeuk Ladies have done it centrally through Mun (5), Ji So-yun (4) and Park (4) as well as from the flanks through Jang Sel-gi (5) while Mina Tanaka lead the way for the Nadeshiko with four successful dribbles.
