Japan reach Asian Cup final after commanding win

Japan Women's National Team secured their place in the AFC Women's Asian Cup final with a dominant 4-1 victory over South Korea in Wednesday's semi-final at Stadium Australia.

The coaching team of Nils Nielsen of Denmark and Leah Blayney of Australia led Nadeshiko Japan to another impressive performance, with goals from Riko Ueki, Maika Hamano, Saki Kumagai and Remina Chiba. This extends Japan's tournament record to 28 goals and just one conceded across five matches.

The result sets up a sold-out final on Saturday against hosts Australia, which marks a repeat of the 2014 and 2018 deciders, both won by Japan. 

Head Coach Nils Nielsen reflected on the result and performance:

"Very proud of them today, it's not easy to just switch and play a team that has much more to give and make it look easy. And they actually did it, they  made this game look fairly comfortable and easy for us.”

For Assistant Coach Leah Blayney, a former Australian international with 16 caps for the Matildas, the occasion carries added personal significance:

"I hold Australia very close to my heart. However, we have a target and I have a job to do with Japan," she said. 

Congratulations, Nils and Leah!