AFC Women's Asian Cup
Chinese Taipei weathered wave after wave of pressure but ultimately succumbed as Momoko Tanikawa and Kiko Seike struck in the second half to secure the two-time champions a 2-0 win at the Perth Rectangular Stadium.
Nielsen acknowledged there was still room for improvement, with Japan registering a whopping 30 attempts on goal.
Nielsen acknowledged there was still room for improvement, with Japan registering a whopping 30 attempts on goal.
#WAC2026: Group C: Japan 2-0 Chinese Taipei
“It was a very one-sided game. Chinese Taipei were tough opponents, exactly as we expected, but I think we managed to keep our focus and create the chances,” said Nielsen.
“Of course, we need to be a bit sharper in front of goal, but it was the first game of the tournament and we came away with three points, so you can’t be unhappy with that.”
“Of course, we need to be a bit sharper in front of goal, but it was the first game of the tournament and we came away with three points, so you can’t be unhappy with that.”
With Chinese Taipei sitting in a deep defensive block for long stretches, patience was central to Japan’s approach.
“In the first half, we were a little too static and that made it harder to create clear chances, especially with so many players inside the penalty area. There wasn’t much space. In the second half, we found better solutions with more movement and better support between the players.
“We knew we just needed one goal. Defensively, we were not really challenged and the players kept their concentration. At half-time, we discussed how to open them up with different types of runs and what adjustments we might need if we didn’t score early in the second half.
“It’s up to every team to decide how they want to play. We’re used to teams defending deep against us. Even higher-ranked teams sometimes do the same. When a team parks the bus, there is very little space, but we stay patient.”
“In the first half, we were a little too static and that made it harder to create clear chances, especially with so many players inside the penalty area. There wasn’t much space. In the second half, we found better solutions with more movement and better support between the players.
“We knew we just needed one goal. Defensively, we were not really challenged and the players kept their concentration. At half-time, we discussed how to open them up with different types of runs and what adjustments we might need if we didn’t score early in the second half.
“It’s up to every team to decide how they want to play. We’re used to teams defending deep against us. Even higher-ranked teams sometimes do the same. When a team parks the bus, there is very little space, but we stay patient.”
Chinese Taipei head coach Prasobchoke Chokemo praised his players’ resilience despite the defeat, with goalkeeper Wang Yu-Ting pulling off nine saves.
“I want to thank my players for their efforts and hard work on the field. Against a team like this, you can’t lose focus as even a single lapse can cost you the game,” said Prasobchoke.
“We prepared for the conditions and focused on our conditioning. The players showed great fighting spirit, both mentally and physically, and put their bodies on the line. We will learn from our mistakes and fight in the next matches to try and reach the knockout stage.”
Chinese Taipei play Vietnam on Saturday, with Japan meeting India.
“I want to thank my players for their efforts and hard work on the field. Against a team like this, you can’t lose focus as even a single lapse can cost you the game,” said Prasobchoke.
“We prepared for the conditions and focused on our conditioning. The players showed great fighting spirit, both mentally and physically, and put their bodies on the line. We will learn from our mistakes and fight in the next matches to try and reach the knockout stage.”
Chinese Taipei play Vietnam on Saturday, with Japan meeting India.
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