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AFC Women's Asian Cup
Despite the wide margin, the Nadeshiko were contained for almost the entirety of the first half, which earned high praise from the Danish tactician.
#WAC2026 | Quarter-final: Japan 7-0 Philippines
“We would have liked to score earlier but we have to give credit to a team that made an art out of defending and getting in the way,” said Nielsen.
“I do think the right team went through, but we took time to break the Philippines defence, even though once we managed to do so, it became a comfortable win.”
Sunday’s victory marked the fourth straight match in which the two-time champions kept a clean sheet, with only Vietnam managing as much as a shot on target against them so far in the competition.
“I do think the right team went through, but we took time to break the Philippines defence, even though once we managed to do so, it became a comfortable win.”
Sunday’s victory marked the fourth straight match in which the two-time champions kept a clean sheet, with only Vietnam managing as much as a shot on target against them so far in the competition.
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But a relaxed Nielsen said the lack of a stern test for his defence was not a concern ahead of their last-four meeting with Korea Republic, instead highlighting the collective effort of all 26 members of the squad.
“It doesn’t concern me that our defence hasn’t been tested much. These players have had to work very hard to earn a place in this team and we are capable,” said Nielsen.
“We are still not where we would like to be but we are getting there. I am happy for Korea Republic’s qualification to the semi-finals and we are confident that we will be ready for the challenge.”
“It doesn’t concern me that our defence hasn’t been tested much. These players have had to work very hard to earn a place in this team and we are capable,” said Nielsen.
“We are still not where we would like to be but we are getting there. I am happy for Korea Republic’s qualification to the semi-finals and we are confident that we will be ready for the challenge.”
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With the victory also securing Japan a ticket to the FIFA Women's World Cup 2027, the 54--year-old stressed that his side’s immediate focus remains firmly on the tournament.
“We are in the middle of a tournament right now and we are happy to be in the semi-finals with a chance to win it,” said Nielsen. “We have so much respect for this competition and once the job is done here, then we can start talking about the World Cup.”
“We are in the middle of a tournament right now and we are happy to be in the semi-finals with a chance to win it,” said Nielsen. “We have so much respect for this competition and once the job is done here, then we can start talking about the World Cup.”
