Japan manager hails Matildas as huge frontrunners for Asian Cup success

The 2010 title holders have scored a remarkable 28 goals during their five matches to date while allowing only a single goal, which came in their commanding 4-1 semi final triumph over South Korea at Sydney on Wednesday.

This outcome has created another showdown in the final, mirroring the 2014 and 2018 deciders where Japan emerged victorious with 1-0 results on each occasion.

On this occasion Japan must face a supportive audience at the 83500 capacity Stadium Australia, and coach Greenlander Nielsen has ramped up the expectations on the Sam Kerr captained Australia side by naming them as the frontrunners.

"The Matildas possess a truly exceptional squad, they have adjusted brilliantly to every challenge thrown at them," he commented following the win against South Korea.

"They boast an outstanding manager who has not been in the role for long yet has already introduced numerous positive changes.

"Performing before a home crowd of this magnitude, Australia stand as strong frontrunners and indeed overwhelming frontrunners for the championship match."

Australia, the champions from 2010, will require an extraordinary effort to overcome Japan, who put on a spectacular display against a South Korean outfit that finished second to China in the previous tournament four years back.

Japan took charge right from the opening whistle, controlling the ball with rapid intricate passes that overwhelmed the Koreans, limiting them to a mere six attempts on goal throughout and just one before the interval.

By comparison, Japan fired off 21 efforts and might have achieved a larger scoreline, having three strikes ruled out.

"It represented a highly consistent showing," noted Nielsen, the ex Denmark and Switzerland manager appointed by Japan towards the end of 2024.

"We aimed to elevate our performance beyond what we had demonstrated earlier in the competition and we achieved that. Our victory is fully merited, and truthfully we might have secured an even greater lead.

"Nevertheless, netting four goals is no simple task, so there is no reason to feel dissatisfied with the outcome."