AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup
Six-time champions, Japan finished as runners-up in the 2024 edition and are up against a side returning to the competition for the first time in 20 years, and yet Ijiri dismissed any suggestion of complacency among the young Nadeshiko.
“We have had very good preparation for the tournament and are happy with our progress,” said Ijiri. “But at this stage, we do not expect any matches to be easy. We believe that this Indian squad is quite fast and we are going to make sure that we are fully prepared to face them.”
The 56-year-old emphasised that the senior team clinching their third AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ title just over a week ago would serve as further inspiration as the youngsters aim to carve their place in the future.
The 56-year-old emphasised that the senior team clinching their third AFC Women’s Asian Cup™ title just over a week ago would serve as further inspiration as the youngsters aim to carve their place in the future.
“Of course, Japan’s victory is a great inspiration and to that end, we are also aiming for the title for the future of women’s football in Japan. We hope that we will also be able to take control of the game and be able to show our strength in the offence as well as the defence,” he added.
India, who ended a two-decade-long absence by finishing in pole position in Group D of the Qualifiers, are determined to make their return to the competition count.
“We are very aware that we are facing tough opponents and we respect them, but we also have the mindset to progress beyond the group stage,” said India head coach Joakim Alexandersson.
India, who ended a two-decade-long absence by finishing in pole position in Group D of the Qualifiers, are determined to make their return to the competition count.
“We are very aware that we are facing tough opponents and we respect them, but we also have the mindset to progress beyond the group stage,” said India head coach Joakim Alexandersson.
#U20WAC - Preview: Group Stage Matchday One
The South Asians are entering the competition after testing themselves against a variety of opposition in recent months across Asia and Europe and the Swede is optimistic that, despite facing one of the strongest age-group sides in the world, his team can rise to the challenge.
“We have had around three months together, including time in Sweden and Kazakhstan, and we have also played friendly matches where we got good results,” said the 50-year-old.
“We have had around three months together, including time in Sweden and Kazakhstan, and we have also played friendly matches where we got good results,” said the 50-year-old.
“We know that Japan are one of the best teams in the world. They play a high-intensity game and are very skillful, so the key for us is to not be afraid and to try to play our game in the best way possible.”
Japan v India
Venue: Thammasat Stadium (Thammasat)
Kickoff: Thursday, 20:00 (UTC +7)
Venue: Thammasat Stadium (Thammasat)
Kickoff: Thursday, 20:00 (UTC +7)
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