AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup
With both sides having also confirmed their places at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026, it is now a race for continental glory with Japan seeking a fifth title and Australia their first.
Pearson, while delighted with Australia’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualification, said it was a case of the job only half done.
“Being able to play against the best teams in Asia at such a young age is such a great experience and I’m grateful to be able to be here and have this,” said the centre-back.
“As much as it’s such an experience, we came here with a mission to qualify for the World Cup, which we have done. We have put that as our objective for such a long time.
“Now our next job is to win the semi-final and progress to the final. The belief in the group has been amazing. We want to get this win against Japan and move forward.”
While Pearson did not play in the group stage match between the two sides, Maeda did as she helped Japan to a stunning 5-0 win.
Also a centre-back, Maeda was substituted on during the quarter-finals on the hour mark as Japan were put under heavy pressure by Korea Republic, with the Sakuyo Gakuen High School player believing the team will be stronger for the experience.
“Australia are a really powerful team,” said Maeda. “I will do my best to win this game. After the group stage, we saw how hard matches in the knockout stage can be.
“Korea Republic were strong and they have strong physical abilities so it was a very difficult match. But we didn’t give up and pushed hard for 90 minutes.”
Related News
- AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup
#U17WAC - Q-final: Vietnam 0-2 Australia
- AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup
#U17WAC - Q-final: Japan 1-0 Korea Republic
- AFC Champions League Two
Road to Final - Al Nassr Club (KSA)
- AFC Champions League Two
Road to Final: Gamba Osaka (JPN)
- AFC Challenge League
Final - Preview: Kuwait SC (KUW) v Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC (CAM)
Item 1 of 5