AFC Women's Asian Cup
Japan raced to a five-goal cushion going into the break with Nielsen highlighting his team’s composure and clinical finishing as the two-time champions booked their quarter-final spot with a match to spare.
#WAC2026 | Group C: India 0-11 Japan
“I think we were able to play today’s match efficiently and without wasted effort. We tried to do the same things we did in the first game but today, I feel we were able to execute them more quickly. Scoring early in the match, in particular, allowed the players to settle and play with more composure afterwards.
“I wanted to make sure we maintained the structure we wanted, which is why we needed them (Mina Tanaka and Yui Hasegawa) to start again. We could have changed the entire line-up, because our squad has the depth to do that, but to preserve the structure, they had to play the first half.”
The duo were the only players from the 2-0 win against Chinese Taipei on Matchday One to start as the Danish tactician made massive changes and was pleased with the cohesion of the team despite the rotation.
“I wanted to make sure we maintained the structure we wanted, which is why we needed them (Mina Tanaka and Yui Hasegawa) to start again. We could have changed the entire line-up, because our squad has the depth to do that, but to preserve the structure, they had to play the first half.”
The duo were the only players from the 2-0 win against Chinese Taipei on Matchday One to start as the Danish tactician made massive changes and was pleased with the cohesion of the team despite the rotation.
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“In the first game, we were still trying to find our rhythm and missed a lot of chances. The first rule when you shoot is to hit the goal and today we did that more consistently. If we had done the same in the first match, we would have scored more goals.
“Our positioning improved and it was easier for the players to find each other on the field. Overall, I’m happy with our performance. We promised each other we would keep the pace up, because it’s our responsibility to do so in every game. We stayed focused, maintained ball tempo and limited their chances, which was key to controlling the match.”
“Our positioning improved and it was easier for the players to find each other on the field. Overall, I’m happy with our performance. We promised each other we would keep the pace up, because it’s our responsibility to do so in every game. We stayed focused, maintained ball tempo and limited their chances, which was key to controlling the match.”
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Tactician Amelia Valverde shouldered responsibility for India’s performance but vowed her team would bounce back in their final fixture against Chinese Taipei on Tuesday.
“I want to apologise on behalf of all of us. Ultimately, the responsibility is mine. The scoreboard reflects the result and where we stand today, and there’s nothing more to say about that."
“I want to apologise on behalf of all of us. Ultimately, the responsibility is mine. The scoreboard reflects the result and where we stand today, and there’s nothing more to say about that."
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“Japan were clearly stronger for most of the game. We had very few opportunities and when we had the ball, we struggled to keep possession or build play. The final score reflects their dominance.
“We still have a chance and as long as we do, we will fight until the end. This result is a setback, but we must turn the page quickly and produce our best performance in the next match as we did last Wednesday (against Vietnam).”
“We still have a chance and as long as we do, we will fight until the end. This result is a setback, but we must turn the page quickly and produce our best performance in the next match as we did last Wednesday (against Vietnam).”
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