PHOTO: @jfa_nadeshiko ( X )
It’s no surprise that Japan are a team renowned for their technical playstyle, and with the AFC Women’s Asian Cup now underway in Australia, let’s take a look at why Japan are one of the teams to watch during this tournament.
Since the competition began in 1975, Japan has participated in it seventeen times. Impressively, they have reached the final four of the competition fifteen times.
Their record is as follows. Japan has finished in fourth place three times in this competition, with these finishes coming in 1999, 2003 and 2006, with those tournaments being hosted in the Philippines, Thailand and Australia. They would, however, go on to finish third six times.
In terms of their best results, they won the competition back-to-back in 2014 when the competition was hosted in Vietnam, before then going on to win it a second consecutive time when the competition made its way over to Jordan in 2018.
In their 2014 final, the Japanese team faced hosts of this year’s competition, Australia. Japan claimed their first Asian Cup title, winning 1-0 thanks to a goal from defender Azusa Iwashimizu on twenty-eight minutes. In 2018, Australia would be put to the sword again by Japan as they claimed their second title; this time, a late goal from Kumi Yokoyama on eighty-four minutes claimed a back-to-back title.
It’s worth mentioning the amount of talent and depth in their squad this tournament. Players like Hasegawa, Tanikawa and Fujino are sure to shine. Hasegawa this season currently has four goals and three assists in all competitions, her best season for goals and assists at Manchester City, and is a vital midfielder for both club and country. Whereas Tanikawa from Bayern Munich is excelling with eight goals and two assists, partnering up with Aoba Fujino, who is having a wonderful season with Manchester City, contributing six goals and two assists so far in all competitions, Japan’s midfield and attack are certainly something to be looking out for as the competition goes on.
Their opening game against Chinese Taipei ended in a 2-0 win. With goals from Momoko Tanikawa and Kiko Seike, they’re in pole position at the top of Group C, with India up next; a win for Japan would see their place in the knockouts confirmed as they look to gain qualification to the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 in Brazil.
They finish their group stage campaign with a trip to HBF Park in Perth, taking on Vietnam, who currently sit second only on goal difference!
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