JAPAN TIMES



 

Coach Nils Nielsen said Saturday that Japan has the tools to take apart the Philippines in their Women's Asian Cup quarterfinal as the ominous two-time champion bids to keep a fourth straight clean sheet.

The highest-ranked team in the competition and the only Asian side to win the World Cup, Japan has been clinical so far with three wins from three games in the group phase.

Nadeshiko Japan have blasted a tournament-high 17 goals while conceding none, with the Philippines facing a daunting task in Sydney on Sunday.

"The Philippines are a very hard-working, disciplined and interesting side to watch, and it's going to be a challenge for us," said Greenland's Nielsen, the first foreign-born coach of the Japanese women's team.

"But I feel we have the tools to counter the challenges we face.
"We are preparing for all kinds of scenarios so that we can adapt quickly to whatever happens during the game, especially if things don't go our way."

For the Philippines' Australian coach Mark Torcaso, reaching the final eight is an achievement in itself.

He acknowledged the job in front of his side, but said the Philippines was playing for national pride.

"Given it's Japan, I know our chances will be limited so we must take full advantage of whatever opportunities we get and be disciplined in our game," he said.

"This is not just about reaching the quarterfinals.
"It is about carrying out our responsibility to showcase our quality so that every young girl in the Philippines will dream of playing for the national team."

The winner will bank automatic qualification for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil and lineup a semifinal against either South Korea or Uzbekistan.