“It doesn't matter who you're playing, the most important thing in a semi-final is to reach the final,” declared the 30-year-old who plays her club football for NTV Beleza.

“When you are playing in such a game, it is not really that important how many you win by.

“Our game against China was certainly a big match and the atmosphere in our team has improved since we beat them. I think it was a step in the right direction for the team.”

Four years ago at the AFC Women's Asian Cup, and with Sakaguchi playing a major role, Japan drew with Australia during the group stage before beating them 1-0 in the final thanks to Azusa Iwashimizu’s first half strike.

With the two finalists having already shared the spoils on Matchday Three of the 2018 edition, Sakaguchi is understandably eager for history to repeat itself. 

“I feel this tournament is very similar to the 2014 edition,” she said.

“Back then, we also played Australia in the group stage and did not manage to beat them. 

“We will now face them again in the final and, just as we did in 2014, we want to win the title, but we are very aware of the threat that Australia will pose.”