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AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup
The 2006 champions were put on the back foot from the start and down by two goals by the 24th minute, but Bell nonetheless praised his side for standing up to the six-time winners.
#U20WAC | Semi-finals: China PR 0-2 Japan
“They started fast and put us in a low block, which is something we didn't want to do,” he said. “It was just that early pressure, where they got us moving and running and they were very swift, so we tried to weather the storm.”
Japan were also quick to take advantage of China PR’s weaknesses, leaving them exposed.
“We had three or four minutes to move into position or go into offensive positions, and when we lose it we are wide open,” he said. “They obviously exploited that space and scored very early, which gave them the confidence.”
Japan were also quick to take advantage of China PR’s weaknesses, leaving them exposed.
“We had three or four minutes to move into position or go into offensive positions, and when we lose it we are wide open,” he said. “They obviously exploited that space and scored very early, which gave them the confidence.”
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Bell was pleased with the way his side came back after the break and commended them for their courage, but rued missed opportunities.
“We should have equalised in the second half as there was good play and great counter-attacks,” said the Englishman. “The chances were there, we were really strong and had good attacks with long balls where we could have scored, but we made some poor decisions.”
China PR cleared their group stage with a perfect record and made the last four with a 2-1 win against Uzbekistan, but Bell admitted Japan were in a different class altogether.
“We should have equalised in the second half as there was good play and great counter-attacks,” said the Englishman. “The chances were there, we were really strong and had good attacks with long balls where we could have scored, but we made some poor decisions.”
China PR cleared their group stage with a perfect record and made the last four with a 2-1 win against Uzbekistan, but Bell admitted Japan were in a different class altogether.
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“The team we faced today is one of the top teams in Asia, if not the world,” he said. “If you are facing a top team, it's normal to lose.
“Football ability is game understanding, decision-making and execution and Japan are, in these three areas, superior at the moment.
“Hopefully China (PR), in the next few years, can decide which direction they want to go and work in these areas, especially the football understanding and how the game works.”
“Football ability is game understanding, decision-making and execution and Japan are, in these three areas, superior at the moment.
“Hopefully China (PR), in the next few years, can decide which direction they want to go and work in these areas, especially the football understanding and how the game works.”
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