Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Ho Chi Minh City: Coach Norio Sasaki is out to end the “jinx” that has seen his Japan side knocked out of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup at the semi-final stage in the last two editions of the continental championship when the World Cup holders take on eight-time winners China in their final four tie on Thursday at Thong Nhat Stadium.
Sasaki’s side ensured their place in the knockout stages after finishing in pole position in Group A as their opening round 2-2 draw with defending champions Australia was followed by comfortable 4-0 and 7-0 wins over hosts Vietnam and debutants Jordan respectively.
However, in the 2008 competition, Sasaki first continental tournament in charge, the Nadeshiko were beaten by China in the semi-finals courtesy of goals from Wang Dandan and Han Duan that gave the Steel Roses a 3-1 victory after Homare Sawa had given Japan a second-half lead.
Two years later in Chengdu, it was eventual champions Australia who handed Sasaki a second consecutive semi-final elimination with Kathryn Gill’s strike enough to edge the Matildas into the final in a 1-0 scoreline.
“I think I have a jinx that I am not winning the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, because in the last two Asian Cups I have been with the team both of the times we were knocked out of the semi-finals and ended up finishing third,” said Sasaki.
“And it will be a tough and difficult match against China who have improved a lot since we played them in the Algarve Cup and East Asian Cup last year.
“Not only do they have a very good player in [tournament top scorer] Yang Li but their other forwards are good, too. I think there have been many developments in their players since 2013 and a new systematic approach to the China line-up.”
Sasaki’s side became heroes of a nation and the pride of Asia after their memorable night in Frankfurt’s Waldstadion on 17 July 2011 as the Nadeshiko edged out the USA 3-1 on penalties following a thrilling 2-2 draw after extra-time in the FIFA Women’s World Cup final to become the first Asian nation to win a world title at senior level.
However, Japan have yet to be crowned Asian champions despite coming close on numerous occasions with four runners-up finishes to their name.
“What we do in the World Cup and the Asian Cup is not so different, we’ve prepared and performed in the same way. I don’t know what it is, but I hope that now is the time to break the jinx,” added Sasaki.