.jpg?w=2400&h=1350&q=80)
AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup
The six-time champions’ dominant display saw them net both their goals in the first half and threaten to add more after the break, with Ijiri attributing the win to years of preparation.
#U20WAC | Semi-finals: China PR 0-2 Japan
“We reached this stage not only because of our effort but that of the whole Japanese football family,” he said. “This is the fruit of our collective labour, from the grassroots to youth development coaches and other stakeholders, all of whom have contributed to this win.”
Despite their performance, Ijiri expects more from his side on Sunday against defending champions DPR Korea, who beat Korea Republic 3-0 to book their ninth final appearance.
Despite their performance, Ijiri expects more from his side on Sunday against defending champions DPR Korea, who beat Korea Republic 3-0 to book their ninth final appearance.
.jpg?w=2400&q=80)
“I’m satisfied because we won but not really satisfied with the result,” said the 55-year-old. “I’m disappointed we could not score in the second half and this is something we need to look into.
“We still have one more match to go so we will need to prepare thoroughly.”
Japan owed their win largely to Noa Fukushima, whose standout performance saw her teeing up Mao Itamura’s fifth-minute opener before curling in a superb set-piece in the 24th minute.
“We still have one more match to go so we will need to prepare thoroughly.”
Japan owed their win largely to Noa Fukushima, whose standout performance saw her teeing up Mao Itamura’s fifth-minute opener before curling in a superb set-piece in the 24th minute.
“I am happy to contribute to our team’s result,” said Fukushima, who earned Player of the Match honours. “We played as a team and we scored two goals, which is good, but we still have room to improve because China PR came close to scoring a few times.”
The 18-year-old midfielder was confident of her chances when she saw the China PR set-up before her free-kick.
“I knew I was going to score,” said Fukushima. “Set-pieces are my speciality and I have trained hard to ensure they’re properly executed.”
The 18-year-old midfielder was confident of her chances when she saw the China PR set-up before her free-kick.
“I knew I was going to score,” said Fukushima. “Set-pieces are my speciality and I have trained hard to ensure they’re properly executed.”
Free-kicks, however, are not the JFA Academy Fukushima player’s only forte.
“I can read the game well but scoring is my strong point,” she said. “I think I played well in this match but lost a little of my defensive intentions in the second half.”
“I can read the game well but scoring is my strong point,” she said. “I think I played well in this match but lost a little of my defensive intentions in the second half.”
Related News
- AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup
China PR failed to cope with early pressure, admits Bell
- AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup
DPR Korea focused on completing title mission, says Kang
- AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup
Park: Korea Republic will learn from heartbreak
- FIFA Series
Kerr inspires Australia; Thailand triumph
- AFC Champions League Two
Gamba Osaka swagger into final
Item 1 of 5