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AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup
The Japanese tactician made an eye-raising nine changes to his starting lineup from the quarter-final clash against Korea Republic but it was business as usual for the four-time champions as they strolled to a 4-0 win against Australia in their last four encounter on Thursday.
“All 23 team members are equally powerful and competent. Of course they have their own personal characters and style. All of which are used for my judgement and decision when selecting the team.
“The result show that this was the correct choice and showed the quality of the squad,” said Shirai, who is looking to guide Japan to the title after finishing runners-up in the 2024 edition.
“The result show that this was the correct choice and showed the quality of the squad,” said Shirai, who is looking to guide Japan to the title after finishing runners-up in the 2024 edition.
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Charlotte Bradshaw’s third minute own goal set the tone for the match with Nanami Kurita grabbing a first half brace before Arisu Ota made sure of the win with the fourth goal in the second half.
“This is the second time we were playing Australia in this competition and I am glad that the players remained focused and delivered what was expected of them. Now, it is time to prepare for the final.”
“This is the second time we were playing Australia in this competition and I am glad that the players remained focused and delivered what was expected of them. Now, it is time to prepare for the final.”
Australia head coach Michael Cooper had mixed emotions, rueing his side’s defensive lapses but proud to have achieved a first qualification to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
“We’re disappointed with the outcome, conceding three goals before half time, the timing of those goals as well as conceding two from set-pieces,” said Cooper. “That’s something we can control better but we didn’t."
“We’re disappointed with the outcome, conceding three goals before half time, the timing of those goals as well as conceding two from set-pieces,” said Cooper. “That’s something we can control better but we didn’t."
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“We spoke to the players at half-time. (We told them) to play the second half with courage and not let the game get away too much and I think we did that.
“This tournament - in context - has been a successful one for us because we qualified for the World Cup, something our country has never been able to achieve. We had six younger girls who got minutes against Japan, we will go back to improve, and come again next year.”
“This tournament - in context - has been a successful one for us because we qualified for the World Cup, something our country has never been able to achieve. We had six younger girls who got minutes against Japan, we will go back to improve, and come again next year.”
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