Japan battled its way through five matches to reach the final of the Women’s Asian Cup, but coach Nils Nielsen said it needed to show its adaptability and character to get past Australia and clinch the title on Saturday.
The Nadeshiko, who had scored 28 goals and conceded one en route to the title decider, took an early lead through Maika Hamano’s fine strike but were on the back foot for much of the second half as Australia searched for an equalizer.
Ultimately, they disappointed the vast majority of the record crowd of 74,357 at Stadium Australia and cemented their status as the Asian powerhouse with a third title in the last four editions of the tournament.
“I’m lucky to work with players who are so good,” Dane Nielsen told reporters.
«Japan can be an inspiration to many in some ways. We can find a style that suits our players because they are talented.»
“We couldn’t find our own rhythm, but the character of the players, the way they never stop playing, makes us 10-20 percent better.
«It’s nice to be good, it’s nice to be charming, but if you don’t win the tournament it doesn’t count. We didn’t play as well as we could have, but they still made it count.»
Nielsen believes 21-year-old Hamano is ready to join her Chelsea clubmate Sam Kerr, who lost in Australian colors on Saturday, as one of the stars of global women’s football.
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“She played another brilliant match,” he added. «And make sure you know her name because she might be as big as the Australians at some point. She really is a talented youngster who is on her way to the stars, and it was a big step today.»
Australian coach Joe Montemurro lamented his team’s lack of lead but thought the way they played in the final boded well for next year’s World Cup in Brazil.
“I have 26 warriors who have been absolutely fantastic for 21 days,” he said.
«They understood our game plan. They understood our approach. Sometimes things fall for you. Sometimes they don’t. But I think this has been an excellent journey for us.»
“Tonight was a real testament for me personally because some of the things we’re trying to accomplish happened tonight against probably one of the best teams in the world.”
Published on March 22, 2026
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