AFC Women's Asian Cup
With India having qualified for the Finals for the first time on merit, the Costa Rican - while acknowledging the heavy blow that the Nadeshiko dealt to their knockout stage hopes - was eager to focus on putting up a strong fight against Chinese Taipei.
“We have already turned the page from the previous game, and we know the seriousness of the match that is in front of us,” said Valverde. “Our encounters against our last two opponents were completely different in nature, and we are not thinking about those defeats and are fully focused on facing Chinese Taipei.”
While the Blue Tigresses were left with little roar against the Nadeshiko, their opening clash with Vietnam had given both the team and fans reason for optimism after holding the Southeast Asians to a 1-1 stalemate before the deadlock was broken in the dying minutes of the match.
For Valverde, even a glimpse of that performance would be satisfying as she expressed confidence in the immense hard work that has gone into the team over the last few weeks.
While the Blue Tigresses were left with little roar against the Nadeshiko, their opening clash with Vietnam had given both the team and fans reason for optimism after holding the Southeast Asians to a 1-1 stalemate before the deadlock was broken in the dying minutes of the match.
For Valverde, even a glimpse of that performance would be satisfying as she expressed confidence in the immense hard work that has gone into the team over the last few weeks.
“We have no doubts about our preparations. All our players are available, and over the last few weeks we know what we have to work on and are aware of what it will take for us to qualify,” said the 39-year-old.
“Of course, Japan were too strong, and nothing went our way, but I think even if we can put the version of ourselves that took the field against Vietnam, we can achieve our goals, which is to keep the ball, maintain possession, and create spaces. Moreover, I think India have an advantage when it comes to speed, which we will try to use as much as possible to create chances.”
“Of course, Japan were too strong, and nothing went our way, but I think even if we can put the version of ourselves that took the field against Vietnam, we can achieve our goals, which is to keep the ball, maintain possession, and create spaces. Moreover, I think India have an advantage when it comes to speed, which we will try to use as much as possible to create chances.”
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That speed within the Indian squad is precisely what is on the mind of Chinese Taipei head coach Prasobchoke Chokemor, who is also seeking the best approach to help his side adapt to the vastly contrasting weather conditions in Sydney.
“I think it’s going to be a little hard to play here so quickly after playing our first two games in Perth, where the weather was different,” said Chokemor. “But that is not something we can help, so we will try to show how well we can adapt.
“We don’t expect our tie against India to be easy, as I am familiar with their game. I watched them during the Qualifiers in Thailand, and they’re very good. We are particularly focused on containing Manisha Kalyan, who has demonstrated tremendous speed, and our eyes will definitely be on her.”
“I think it’s going to be a little hard to play here so quickly after playing our first two games in Perth, where the weather was different,” said Chokemor. “But that is not something we can help, so we will try to show how well we can adapt.
“We don’t expect our tie against India to be easy, as I am familiar with their game. I watched them during the Qualifiers in Thailand, and they’re very good. We are particularly focused on containing Manisha Kalyan, who has demonstrated tremendous speed, and our eyes will definitely be on her.”
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With qualification to the knockout stage well within reach, the Thai tactician appeared unfazed by the match and his side’s chances, reiterating his desire to simply play for victory.
“The team is more confident after bouncing back in the last match, but I must make sure they don’t end up being over-confident,” he said. “Of course, while we have a good chance of qualifying even with a draw, we will still go on the pitch and play to win the match and not worry about other factors in the other matches.”
“The team is more confident after bouncing back in the last match, but I must make sure they don’t end up being over-confident,” he said. “Of course, while we have a good chance of qualifying even with a draw, we will still go on the pitch and play to win the match and not worry about other factors in the other matches.”
Trivia
● Chinese Taipei have won both their previous clashes against India in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, both taking place in the group stage, scoring multiple goals on both occasions (2-0 and 5-0); however, this will be the first meeting between the two sides since 2001.
● India have lost each of their last four AFC Women’s Asian Cup games, the only time they recorded a longer such streak in competition history was a five-game period from November 1999 to December 2001.
● Chinese Taipei have not won consecutive matches in the competition since a two-game streak in June 2003, while their last run of back-to-back wins with clean sheets came in December 2001 (three games), including a 5-0 victory over India.
India v Chinese Taipei
Venue: Western Sydney Stadium (Sydney)
Kick-off: Monday, 17:00 (UTC+11)
Venue: Western Sydney Stadium (Sydney)
Kick-off: Monday, 17:00 (UTC+11)
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