Japan and Australia are equally confident heading into the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 final in Australia, with both head coaches agreeing that Saturday’s match is capable of going either way.
Japan breezed through the semi-finals with a 4-1 win against Korea Republic while Australia held their own in defeating China PR 2-1, with both teams having taken different journeys to get to this stage.
Nils Nielsen doesn’t buy into the idea that his Japan side are the favourites but is confident that if the Nadeshiko can get into the same groove they showed in the earlier matches, the final will turn in their favour.
“I’m very excited to be here. It’s the aim we have for the tournament, to play in this final and to play against Australia. Hopefully it’s a battle between two great teams and the winner will be women’s football,” said Nielsen.
“We’re talking about a final in a major tournament. Both teams can win and it’s always 50-50. Both teams want to set up the best way with the best analysis to go about how to win the game. I don’t think Australia is any more favourites than we are.
“My message is just win it. If we are ready and we feel good and we feel we can be our best and relaxed, we can show good football. Just do it, no matter what happens, just play.”
Having coached Denmark and Switzerland in previous roles, The tactician knows he’s working with a special bunch of players, paying tribute to the exceptional qualities of Japanese players and the footballing ecosystem in the country that has made his job much easier.
“One of the things that they have are the Japanese qualities where they can find each other. Even if you turn off the lights, they can still pass to each other. They try to make each other better.
“It’s not about individuals, it doesn’t matter who’s on the pitch, they all play the same. It’s second nature to them. They can play faster than any team in the world, when they are in the zone, it’s an incredible thing to watch.
“That’s the beauty of this team and we only encourage them to be the best they can be because they are talented and believe in themselves.”
Australia head coach Joe Montemurro is confident his team have done enough homework to stop Japan but the former Arsenal, Juventus and Lyon tactician is counting on a strong start from his charges as he looks to seize control of the match, unlike how the game unfolded against China PR and DPR Korea.
“They (Japan) seem to find solutions in whatever situations you throw at them. We have some ideas we think could be important,” said Montemurro. “As much as they are a great team, they do have weaknesses."
“If we find some continuity and rhythm with the ball, we can do some good things in the game. We just have to make sure we are prepared in all phases. If we manage the moment well, we’ll do well in the game. There’s no favourite in the final. Setting the tone will be very important in any final.
“Then you can settle and manage the moments better. How we approach the first 10-15 mins, control our emotions, focus on the situations and what we’ve worked on.”
The manner in which Australia got past two East Asian sides in their previous two matches is also something which Montemurro feels will play to their advantage as those battling performances can only build a sense of belief.
“It’s a cup final in a tournament. Both teams have had different routes and have to make changes accordingly.
“We’re better prepared because we found the level of adaptability and found that when things don’t go according to play, we can change and find a way to play. That’s a sign of the team growing and hopefully we can find that balance.”
Final
Japan v Australia
Venue: Stadium Australia (Sydney / Gadigal)
Kick-off: Saturday, 3PM BDT
Source: AFC