Australia must be 'smart' to beat Japan in Asian Cup final: coach
Australia coach Joe Montemurro (L) sits next to player Ellie Carpenter during a press conference in Sydney ahead of the Women’s Asian Cup final (DAVID GRAY) Coach Joe Montemurro told his Australia team Friday they must be adaptable and "smart" to win the Women's Asian Cup for the first time since 2010 and avenge two gut-wrenching losses against Japan in the continental final. The sides face off for the title on Saturday at Sydney's Olympic Stadium in a repeat of the 2014 and 2018 deciders, where Japan edged home 1-0 on both occasions. Nils Nielsen's world number six side go into the clash in seemingly invincible form after cruising through the tournament with five convincing wins and 28 goals scored to just one conceded.
In contrast, hosts Australia have had to knuckle down and fight hard. Montemurro said there were "no favourites in a final". "It's the one who wants it more and the one who is smart enough to manage the moments," he said.
"Adaptability is the word. I think this team is able to adapt accordingly. When we've had our backs against the wall we've changed things slightly and been able to find a way.
"When you're in these contests, you know that ability to be selfless and adapt is really, really important. " Nielsen said after Japan's 4-1 semi-final thumping of South Korea that Australia would be "massive favourites" given the expected partisan crowd. But he changed his tune on the eve of the final.
"We are talking about a final in a major tournament. Both teams can win," he said. "They know precisely our strength, they know their strength.