AFC U17 Women's Asian Cup
In a rivalry that has defined the competition, this will be the seventh final meeting between the two - with each having won the title four times.
DPR Korea head coach Ji Yun Nam believes he has the formula to stop Japan from playing their football - by containing the midfield pair of Rara Higuchi and Harura Matsushita.
“We have seen them play and No.7 (Higuchi) and and No.8 (Matsushita) are the key players who we have to do our best to ensure are kept quiet.
“The Japan team is very strong and we have the belief that we will be the first team to score against them,” said Ji.
“We have seen them play and No.7 (Higuchi) and and No.8 (Matsushita) are the key players who we have to do our best to ensure are kept quiet.
“The Japan team is very strong and we have the belief that we will be the first team to score against them,” said Ji.
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The tactician also dispelled concerns that fatigue could be a factor, with DPR Korea not rotating their starting lineup as constantly as Japan enroute to the final.
“Our players are fully prepared physically and fit. Even though we only started training in February, we are ready for all eventualities.”
“Our players are fully prepared physically and fit. Even though we only started training in February, we are ready for all eventualities.”
#U17WAC - Preview: Final
Japan head coach Sadayoshi Shirai also knows what to expect, having been at the helm two years ago when his side lost 1-0 in the final and the 45-year-old is demanding maximum focus from his players in what he said would be a game of tight margins.
“We want to keep improving our level and the best way to do that is play against the best teams and DPR Korea are one of them,” said Shirai.
“We want to keep improving our level and the best way to do that is play against the best teams and DPR Korea are one of them,” said Shirai.
“Our strength is our pressing game and playing in the opponents’ half and that is something that DPR Korea also do. We want to play in a way that allows us to create opportunities in those areas.
“The opponents are very organised and we have to stop them from doing what they want and look to play more aggressively in attack. It will also be vital for us to defend solidly, so a lot of focus is needed there.”
“The opponents are very organised and we have to stop them from doing what they want and look to play more aggressively in attack. It will also be vital for us to defend solidly, so a lot of focus is needed there.”
DPR Korea v Japan
Venue: Suzhou Sports Centre Stadium (Suzhou)
Kick-off: Sunday, 19:30 (UTC+8)
Venue: Suzhou Sports Centre Stadium (Suzhou)
Kick-off: Sunday, 19:30 (UTC+8)
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