AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup
The six-time champions and 2024 finalists overpowered the Southeast Asian side 4-0 to charge into the last four, but Ijiri came away conflicted.
#U20WAC | Q-final: Japan 4-0 Vietnam
“The match was a little bit complicated for me,” he said. “I was head coach of Vietnam’s women's youth side for six years, and most of the players playing here today were under my charge when they were 12 years old.
“Two years ago in the last edition in Uzbekistan, I was Vietnam's head coach when we played against Japan and today was the opposite, so it was quite an emotional moment.”
Despite his knowledge of his opponents style of play, Ijiri said his side had won on merit.
“We did not have an advantage because of my prior experience with Vietnam. In any match we analyse our opponents and always give our best.”
“We did not have an advantage because of my prior experience with Vietnam. In any match we analyse our opponents and always give our best.”
Japan raced to a three-goal lead before the break in what was a largely one-sided affair, and the 55-year-old put down their performance to a collective effort.
“My players did well, and I thank our medical team and coaching staff as we prepared with all of them, and this was a total team achievement.”
“I’m happy but not satisfied because we still have two matches to go,” he added. “We have many aspects to improve so we have to continue preparing.”
A spot in the semi-finals also qualified Japan for their ninth FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup.
“While I'm happy to take the team to the World Cup, that was not our target here as we want to focus on going all the way in this tournament.”
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