If the Matildas needed any warning of the huge challenge they will face in the Women’s Asian Cup final on Saturday, Japan fired a shot across their bow in a commanding semi-final victory over South Korea. The world No 6 arrived at the tournament as the team to beat and have since cemented their place as the favourites across a near-flawless campaign.
Japan’s emphasis on a controlled, possession-heavy style within a well oiled machine might be a fever dream for Joe Montemurro and how he envisages the Matildas evolving across his tenure. But for now the former Lyon, Juventus and Arsenal manager will be plotting to avoid the final turning into a nightmare, as Australia’s much-vaunted golden generation chases elusive silverware on Saturday night.
Japan, who are two-time Asian Cup winners, cruised through the group stage and scored 24 times without conceding before facing South Korea at Stadium Australia on Wednesday night. But in perhaps their first genuine test of the tournament, Japan found another gear as they enjoyed 64% possession and completed 88% of their 590 passes against the Taegeuk Ladies.
The South Korean team that largely controlled the ball and caused the Matildas all sorts of problems during their group-stage clash – when the hosts needed a stoppage-time goal just to snatch a draw – was instead the side with their backs to the wall against the more polished Japan. Korea’s swift ball movement out of defence and through the midfield that regularly carved open the Matildas crumbled under the pressure of Japan’s relentless press and high intensity when a spot in the decider was up for grabs.
Japan have shown a ruthless streak on top of their crisp passing, well-crafted patterns and high tempo play, piling on 28 goals on their march to the final. They have been equally impressive at the back, even if rarely put under pressure, only conceding a first goal of the tournament when leading Korea 3-0. Korea had tried all night to counterattack against Japan with few signs of breaking through until Kang Chae-rim netted a consolation goal in the 78th minute. Any hope of an unlikely comeback was quickly shut down when Remina Chiba finished off a breathtaking transition to score Japan’s fourth three minutes later.
The rapid response to restore the three-goal margin was a reminder of how Japan can score in multiple ways. Much of their success throughout the tournament has been built on the foundation of intense pressing and intelligent reading of the play. South Korea were just the latest team to struggle to play out from the back against a side that flips into defensive mode at the first sign of a turnover, and pounces on the wingbacks whenever their opponents look to switch the ball to the other flank. The opener from golden boot leader Riko Ueki came after a period of sustained pressure and Fuka Nagano picking a South Korean pocket in the penalty area. While the second was a moment of magic from Maika Hamano. Japan’s third goal might strike just as much fear into the Matildas’ defence, as veteran Saki Kumagai leapt highest to put away a corner.
Against China, Australia looked more settled with vice-captain Steph Catley returning from a concussion and stepping into central defence, and the pace and attacking movement of Ellie Carpenter and Kaitlyn Torpey on either side will be just as crucial to exiting the back half in the final. Goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold has returned to form since overcoming injury, but can expect to have Japan forwards rushing at her whenever she receives the ball to feet on Saturday night.
None of this will be a shock to Montemurro or the Matildas, who were given an early warning of what Japan would be capable of in this tournament when the two sides met little over a year ago during the SheBelieves Cup. The Matildas were blown away in a 4-0 defeat that was part of a dismal campaign in the US while the side was still drifting under interim coach Tom Sermanni.
Japan have had more time to settle and found their rhythm under head coach Nils Nielsen who took the reins not long before that last meeting, after previously being in charge of Switzerland and his native Denmark women’s teams. Nielsen has seen Mary Fowler and Alanna Kennedy up close during a brief stint as technical director at Manchester City, and was full of praise for the Matildas attacker even after Japan set up a winner-takes-all clash with the hosts.
The final on Saturday night will be the 31st clash between the sides since they first met in 1984. Those meetings include two Women’s Asian Cup deciders, when Japan twice broke the Matildas’ hearts with narrow 1-0 triumphs in 2014 and 2018. Australia had a Sam Kerr goal rubbed out and a missed penalty across those two finals, but will likely need to be more clinical this time against a Japan side that gives up few chances.
