AFC Women's Asian Cup
Touted as one of the tournament favourites, the Nadeshiko have played the part perfectly so far, entering the knockout stage with three wins from three matches, no goals conceded, and as many as nine players on the scoresheet.
But as the two-time champions look to secure one of the prized tickets to the semi-finals and FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027 qualification, the Dane was quick to warn that a higher level of preparation is required now that the group stage is behind them.
“The Philippines are a very hard-working, disciplined, and interesting side to watch, and it’s going to be a challenge for us,” said Nielsen. “Now it’s no longer the group stage. These are knockout games, so either you win and go through, or you lose, and you’re out, and you cannot win the tournament anymore.
“But I feel we have the tools to counter the challenges we face. We are preparing for all kinds of scenarios so that we can adapt quickly to whatever happens during the game, especially if things don’t go our way.”
“The Philippines are a very hard-working, disciplined, and interesting side to watch, and it’s going to be a challenge for us,” said Nielsen. “Now it’s no longer the group stage. These are knockout games, so either you win and go through, or you lose, and you’re out, and you cannot win the tournament anymore.
“But I feel we have the tools to counter the challenges we face. We are preparing for all kinds of scenarios so that we can adapt quickly to whatever happens during the game, especially if things don’t go our way.”
Boasting a squad that plies its trade in some of the most competitive leagues in the world, the 54-year-old also acknowledged that his side’s strength allows them to remain flexible depending on how the contest unfolds.
“We are ready to adapt to whatever happens in the game. If we have to defend more, we will do that, and if not, we can focus on attacking. That is the role we have as one of the stronger teams,” said Nielsen.
“Right now the team is feeling great physically and psychologically, but we all know it only takes one red card, an injury or something like that to throw things off, and there is no formula for that.
“But just like in any other discipline, developing mentally is just as important as tactics, so we are trying to make sure the players feel good and safe to perform at their highest level.”
“We are ready to adapt to whatever happens in the game. If we have to defend more, we will do that, and if not, we can focus on attacking. That is the role we have as one of the stronger teams,” said Nielsen.
“Right now the team is feeling great physically and psychologically, but we all know it only takes one red card, an injury or something like that to throw things off, and there is no formula for that.
“But just like in any other discipline, developing mentally is just as important as tactics, so we are trying to make sure the players feel good and safe to perform at their highest level.”
For Philippines head coach Mark Torcaso, reaching the final eight is both a reward and an opportunity.
“It is an absolute privilege to play against some of the best teams not just in Asia but in the world,” he said. “We have played Australia and Korea Republic, and now we are up against what is probably the best team in the competition.”
The Australian tactician also expressed his belief in the Filipinas’ ability to threaten through quick transitions while coping with the physical demands of travel and a demanding schedule.
“The girls have fought hard and played three big games, and in the next match, we have to focus on better transitions,” said Torcaso. “But given it’s Japan, I know our chances will be limited, so we must take full advantage of whatever opportunities we get and be disciplined in our game.”
“It is an absolute privilege to play against some of the best teams not just in Asia but in the world,” he said. “We have played Australia and Korea Republic, and now we are up against what is probably the best team in the competition.”
The Australian tactician also expressed his belief in the Filipinas’ ability to threaten through quick transitions while coping with the physical demands of travel and a demanding schedule.
“The girls have fought hard and played three big games, and in the next match, we have to focus on better transitions,” said Torcaso. “But given it’s Japan, I know our chances will be limited, so we must take full advantage of whatever opportunities we get and be disciplined in our game.”
After losing their opening two Group A matches before defeating the Islamic Republic of Iran to keep their hopes alive, Torcaso added that while the squad had endured the tension of waiting on other results, their motivation extends beyond simply reaching the quarter-finals.
“We did what we had to do in our third game, and the rest was not in our hands, which of course brought some nerves,” he said. “But this is not just about reaching the quarter-finals.
“It is about carrying out our responsibility to showcase our quality so that every young girl in the Philippines will dream of playing for the national team.”
“We did what we had to do in our third game, and the rest was not in our hands, which of course brought some nerves,” he said. “But this is not just about reaching the quarter-finals.
“It is about carrying out our responsibility to showcase our quality so that every young girl in the Philippines will dream of playing for the national team.”
Trivia
● Japan have won each of their three meetings with the Philippines at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, with an aggregate score of 36-0; in fact, Japan have registered a higher goals per game average only against Nepal (14) and Guam (13) in the competition (12 goals per game vs Philippines).
● Japan have won each of their three meetings with the Philippines at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, with an aggregate score of 36-0; in fact, Japan have registered a higher goals per game average only against Nepal (14) and Guam (13) in the competition (12 goals per game vs Philippines).
● Following their 2-0 win over Iran in their most recent AFC Women’s Asian Cup game, the Philippines will aim to keep back-to-back clean sheets in the competition for the first time.
● Japan have scored multiple goals in each of their last five AFC Women’s Asian Cup games, their joint longest such streak in competition history; in fact, having kept a clean sheet in each of their three matches in the ongoing campaign, they will aim to log four such games on the bounce for the first time since 2003.
Japan v Philippines
Venue: Stadium Australia (Sydney)
Kick-off: Saturday, 16:00 (UTC+11)
Venue: Stadium Australia (Sydney)
Kick-off: Saturday, 16:00 (UTC+11)
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