New Headline: Japan's Elite Diving Stars Embark on Challenging Journey in Semi-Finals
Japan have yet to conceded a goal at the Women's Asian Cup (SAEED KHAN) 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, Taiwan, Vietnam and India. They have yet to concede, with barely a shot for Manchester City goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita to deal with.
That will likely change in Sydney on Wednesday against a South Korea side that has 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," said Greenlander Nielsen 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. "I am happy for South Korea's qualification to the semi-finals and we are confident that we will be ready for the challenge," he added. Against the Philippines, Japan mustered an incredible 50 shots, 17 of them on target.
Their dominance ensured they qualified for a 10th consecutive World Cup in Brazil next year, with the top six finishers at the continental competition booking their ticket. Japan are the only Asian country to have won the World Cup, in 2011, but Nielsen said it was too early to talk about their chances of repeating the feat. "We are in the middle of a tournament right now and we are happy to be in the semi-finals with a chance to win it," he said.
"We have so much respect for this competition and once the job is done here, then we can start talking about the World Cup. " mp/pst