AFC U17 Asian Cup
Both teams are highly confident following strong quarter-final performances, setting up what promises to be a high-intensity and closely fought encounter.
China PR booked their place in the penultimate stage with a spirited 3-1 comeback win over Saudi Arabia, a victory which head coach Bin Ukishima attributed to discipline and focus and urged his players to maintain their mindset.
“While reaching this stage is a significant achievement, the mentality must remain firmly on preparation and execution, given China PR’s long wait to return to the final of the competition,” said Ukishima.
“I told my players to be fully ready for the match and focus on preparation. It is too early to think about the final. We are only one step away, and the most important thing is the next game.”
“While reaching this stage is a significant achievement, the mentality must remain firmly on preparation and execution, given China PR’s long wait to return to the final of the competition,” said Ukishima.
“I told my players to be fully ready for the match and focus on preparation. It is too early to think about the final. We are only one step away, and the most important thing is the next game.”
The possibility of reaching the final for the first time since their 2004 title triumph has been building excitement among fans and players, but Ukishima is not getting carried away.
“China PR have not reached the final in many years, so mentally and in terms of discipline, we must stay focused and do our job on the pitch.”
“China PR have not reached the final in many years, so mentally and in terms of discipline, we must stay focused and do our job on the pitch.”
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Australia head coach Carl Vear praised his team’s growth throughout the tournament, noting how they have overcome early challenges and are finding their rhythm at the right time.
“The tournament has been excellent. We started a bit slowly, but the last game (3-0 win) against Vietnam was strong and we are looking to build on that and have another good performance,” said Veart.
“We had to adjust some training sessions, but the boys are coping well. We’ve had a few knocks, but we are happy with where the squad is now. Everyone is fit and ready and the whole group is taking part in training.”
“The tournament has been excellent. We started a bit slowly, but the last game (3-0 win) against Vietnam was strong and we are looking to build on that and have another good performance,” said Veart.
“We had to adjust some training sessions, but the boys are coping well. We’ve had a few knocks, but we are happy with where the squad is now. Everyone is fit and ready and the whole group is taking part in training.”
Australia are seeking a maiden title and Veart knows the challenge will be significant against a well organised and physically strong China PR.
“China PR had some tough games and reached a good level. They’ve got tall players and some good technical quality. We can’t give them too much space. We did well against Vietnam and we need to improve again, especially against China PR.”
“China PR had some tough games and reached a good level. They’ve got tall players and some good technical quality. We can’t give them too much space. We did well against Vietnam and we need to improve again, especially against China PR.”
China PR v Australia
Venue: King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium (Jeddah)
Kick-off: Tuesday, 21:30 (UTC+3)
Venue: King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium (Jeddah)
Kick-off: Tuesday, 21:30 (UTC+3)
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