Women’s Asian Cup: Japan have no fears about untested defence before South Korea semi-final
Two-time champions have not let in any goals in four games while scoring 24, but in Sydney will face a strong team that have scored 16
Coach Nils Nielsen said he has no concerns that rampant Japan’s defence has yet to be properly tested ahead of their Women’s Asian Cup semi-final with South Korea.
The two-time champions have been dominant in Australia, slamming 24 goals past their four opponents so far: the Philippines, Chinese Taipei, Vietnam and India.
They have yet to concede, with barely a shot for Manchester City goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita to deal with.
That is likely to change in Sydney on Wednesday against a South Korea side that have scored 16 and let in just three across their campaign so far.
“It doesn’t concern me that our defence hasn’t been tested much,” Greenlander Nielsen said after Japan thrashed the Philippines 7-0 in their quarter-final on Sunday.
“These players have had to work very hard to earn a place in this team and we are capable. We are still not where we would like to be, but we are getting there.