AFC Women's Asian Cup
The Japanese defender, who found the back of the net twice, admitted that the first goal just before half-time was crucial in opening up the contest and easing the pressure.
“The Philippines, as we have seen in previous games, were defending very deep and we had to show a lot of patience and keep playing our game until we got our goal before the break,” said the Tottenham Hotspur centre-back. “Thankfully, scoring just before half-time was great timing for us.”
Koga’s dominant performance earned her the Player of the Match award, but the 20-year-old is already focused on improving Japan’s effectiveness from set-pieces as the two-time champions prepare to face Korea Republic in the semi-finals.
Koga’s dominant performance earned her the Player of the Match award, but the 20-year-old is already focused on improving Japan’s effectiveness from set-pieces as the two-time champions prepare to face Korea Republic in the semi-finals.
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“We have not made the best use of set-pieces so far in the competition, so I am really happy that we were able to do that against the Philippines,” she said. “We will focus on handling our set-pieces even better next time.”
In the 2022 edition, Japan’s quest for continental glory ended in the semi-finals after a penalty shootout defeat to eventual champions China PR. Although she was not part of that squad, Koga said her focus is firmly on helping the team go further this time.
“I wasn’t part of the team in 2022 but this time I will try my best to win against Korea Republic,” she said. “I know the competition is only getting harder, but I will give my all to win.”
In the 2022 edition, Japan’s quest for continental glory ended in the semi-finals after a penalty shootout defeat to eventual champions China PR. Although she was not part of that squad, Koga said her focus is firmly on helping the team go further this time.
“I wasn’t part of the team in 2022 but this time I will try my best to win against Korea Republic,” she said. “I know the competition is only getting harder, but I will give my all to win.”
