Japan Show No Defensive Anxieties Before Facing South Korea in Asian Cup Semi-Final

Coach Nils Nielsen expressed no worries about Japans formidable defence not having faced a true test yet prior to their Womens Asian Cup semi-final encounter with South Korea.

The two-time title holders have overwhelmed opponents in Australia scoring 24 goals against the Philippines Taiwan Vietnam and India in their four matches.

They remain unbeaten at the back with hardly any efforts for Manchester City shot-stopper Ayaka Yamashita to handle.

This situation is expected to shift in Sydney on Wednesday when they meet a South Korean team that has netted 16 goals while conceding only three throughout their run.

"The limited testing of our backline does not bother me" stated the Greenlander Nielsen following Japans 7-0 demolition of the Philippines in Sundays quarter-final.

"These athletes have put in tremendous effort to secure spots in this squad and we possess the quality. We are progressing towards our ideal form though not quite there yet.

"I am pleased with South Koreas advancement to the semi-finals and we feel prepared for the test ahead" he continued.

In the match versus the Philippines Japan unleashed a staggering 50 attempts including 17 on goal.

This commanding display confirmed their spot in a 10th straight World Cup in Brazil next year as the top six from this continental event earn qualification.

Japan stands alone as the sole Asian nation to claim World Cup glory in 2011 yet Nielsen believes it is premature to discuss prospects of another triumph.

"We are focused on this ongoing tournament and delighted to reach the semi-finals with an opportunity to lift the trophy" he remarked.

"We hold great regard for this event and only after completing our mission here can we turn attention to the World Cup."