.jpg?w=2400&h=1350&q=80)
AFC Women's Asian Cup
Billed as Japan’s toughest match of the tournament, there was never any doubt who would take the win once the match got going at Stadium Australia with Nielsen’s charges dominantly setting up a final against Australia.
#WAC2026 | Semi-final: Korea Republic 1-4 Japan
“It was a very solid performance,” said Nielsen. “We tried to take a step up from the level we’ve shown so far in the tournament and we succeeded. It’s not undeserved that we won, in fact we could have won by a bigger margin.
“That said, it‘s not easy to score four so you cannot be unhappy with that. Korea are worthy opponents and had a great run until now. Big respect to them for challenging us but we were better today.”
“That said, it‘s not easy to score four so you cannot be unhappy with that. Korea are worthy opponents and had a great run until now. Big respect to them for challenging us but we were better today.”
Such was Japan’s dominance that Korea Republic were unable to muster a single shot on target in the first half with goals from Riko Ueki and Maika Hamano giving the two-time champions a healthy lead.
Japan eased up on their high press in the second half and with Nielsen ringing the changes after Saki Kumagai’s goal, Korea Republic were able to find more space with Kang Chae-rim pulling one back in the 79th minute, only for Remina Chiba to kill off the tie six minutes later.
Chiba was among the substitutions Nielsen made with the intention to finish the game on a high and the Dane was pleased his plans worked.
Japan eased up on their high press in the second half and with Nielsen ringing the changes after Saki Kumagai’s goal, Korea Republic were able to find more space with Kang Chae-rim pulling one back in the 79th minute, only for Remina Chiba to kill off the tie six minutes later.
Chiba was among the substitutions Nielsen made with the intention to finish the game on a high and the Dane was pleased his plans worked.
.jpg?w=2400&q=80)
“Remina and Manaka (Matsukubo) have shown in previous matches how they can contribute. Manaka had an injury and is slowly coming back so it wasn’t a surprise she got an assist.
“Remina has a great strike on her left foot despite being a right footer so we were always encouraging her to shoot with her left and it was a really nice goal at the right time so we avoided panic.”
“Remina has a great strike on her left foot despite being a right footer so we were always encouraging her to shoot with her left and it was a really nice goal at the right time so we avoided panic.”
Related News
- AFC Women's Asian Cup
First half goals ended our chances, admits Korea Republic’s Shin
- AFC Women's Asian Cup
Japan power past Korea Republic to set up Australia showdown
- AFC Women's Asian Cup
Foord expects Australia to go all the way
- AFC Women's Asian Cup
China PR’s Milicic looks forward after semi-final disappointment
- AFC Women's Asian Cup
Preview: Playoffs
Item 1 of 5