AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup
The sides go into the continental decider with perfect records, brushing aside the competition to set up a repeat of the 2024 final in Uzbekistan, where DPR Korea dashed Japan’s hope of four consecutive titles with a 2-1 win.
Japan also lost to the defending champions in the last edition’s group stage, but head coach Akira Ijiri believes this will not affect his side’s morale.
“It is a fact that we have lost against DPR Korea in recent encounters but our players are up to the challenge,” he said. “They are in high spirits and mentally ready, and this fact does not put any additional pressure on them.”
“It is a fact that we have lost against DPR Korea in recent encounters but our players are up to the challenge,” he said. “They are in high spirits and mentally ready, and this fact does not put any additional pressure on them.”
The Young Nadeshiko are aiming for a record-extending seventh title, and Ijiri will take the opportunity to showcase his team’s potential against the world and Asian champions.
“We are excited to play against such a side, as this will prove a good experience for our young players who will also be able to develop further,” said the 56-year-old, who is looking to lift his first continental trophy.
“My team is in good condition thanks to our medical and coaching staff, who have done their best to ensure our players are ready. We expect a tough match but hope for a good result.”
“We are excited to play against such a side, as this will prove a good experience for our young players who will also be able to develop further,” said the 56-year-old, who is looking to lift his first continental trophy.
“My team is in good condition thanks to our medical and coaching staff, who have done their best to ensure our players are ready. We expect a tough match but hope for a good result.”
#U20WAC - Final | Preview
DPR Korea will be anticipating a third title, and head coach Han Chol Hak has full conviction in his side, who hammered 25 goals past their opponents and more importantly, conceded none.
“Our team is nervous and excited but they are also confident ahead of the final,” he said. “We are honoured to participate here and will do our best to bring happiness to our fans and colleagues.”
“Our team is nervous and excited but they are also confident ahead of the final,” he said. “We are honoured to participate here and will do our best to bring happiness to our fans and colleagues.”
DPR Korea hardly broke into sweat coming into the final, but the 44-year-old knows Japan will be an entirely different challenge.
“Japan have high technical and tactical standards, and victory tomorrow is uncertain,” said Han. “We will have to wait and see but the team is fit and prepared.”
“Japan have high technical and tactical standards, and victory tomorrow is uncertain,” said Han. “We will have to wait and see but the team is fit and prepared.”
Japan v DPR Korea
Venue: Thammasat Stadium (Pathum Thani)
Kick-off: Saturday, 18:00 (UTC+7)
Venue: Thammasat Stadium (Pathum Thani)
Kick-off: Saturday, 18:00 (UTC+7)
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