Japan Ready for Asian Cup Final Challenge
Japan dominates South Korea 4-1, setting up a repeat of 2014 and 2018 finals against hosts Australia. The two-time champions scored 28 goals in 5 games, conceding just 1.
“We tried to take a step up from the level we've shown so far in the tournament...”
Japan was unstoppable against South Korea, seizing control with their high-tempo passing game and dominating possession. They outshot Korea 21-6 and had three goals disallowed - they were lucky not to have an even bigger lead
Korea struggled to cope with Japan's intensity, managing only one shot in the first half.
Japan's coach, Nils Nielsen, thinks Australia is the favorite to win the Asian Cup final, but Japan's stats say otherwise. The two-time champions have scored 28 goals in 5 games and only conceded 1, making them look like strong contenders.
With their dominant performance, especially the 4-1 semi-final win over South Korea, Japan's confidence is likely high.
A repeat of the 2014 and 2018 finals is set, with Japan looking to defend their title. They'll have a passionate crowd at Stadium Australia to boost them, and Greenlander Nielsen has already put the pressure on Australia, calling them favorites despite Sam Kerr leading the team.
“The Matildas really have an amazing team, they have adapted to whatever is coming their way,” he said after the South Korea victory.
“They have a great coach ... he hasn't been here long and he's already made so many nice transforms.
“When they play in front of a crowd like this, Australia are big favourites, massive favourites for the final.”
Australia, the 2010 champions, will face a tough challenge against Japan, who impressed with a 4-1 win over South Korea in the semifinals. Japan's strong performance has set the stage for a thrilling final against hosts Australia.
Nothing but the highest praise for @TheMatildas from Nils Nielsen 🎙️
— Paramount+ Australia (@ParamountPlusAU) March 18, 2026
Japan's manager shows some love for his opponent as we get set for Saturday's showdown in the Final
Watch the #WAC2026 Final, with coverage kicking off at 6.30pm AEDT on Paramount+ 📺 pic.twitter.com/l0Mw3jfLNT
“It was a very solid performance,” said Nielsen, a former Denmark and Switzerland coach who was recruited by Japan in late 2024.
“We tried to take a step up from the level we've shown so far in the tournament and we succeeded. It's not undeserved that we won, in fact we could have won by a bigger margin.
“That said, it's not easy to score four so you cannot be unhappy with that.”
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