Japan vs Chinese Taipei - AFC Women’s Asian Football Cup

A stinking hot Perth afternoon and two teams ready to battle it out for a spot on top of Group C- the perfect ingredients for a chaotic game. Japan, who are expected to top Group C with ease, struggled during the game, likely due to the 36℃ blaring sun, which had fans anxious, but had Chinese Taipei fans on the edge of their seats with hope with an unpredictable win.

(Image credit to the AFC)

A slow start to the game worried Japan fans who expected an easy win, the players held possession and controlled the ball with precision, however they weren’t able to use it to capitalise on a goal. Pu Hsin-Hui went down for Chinese Taipei in the 25th minute after a serious-looking injury to her knee, she was stretchered off the pitch and is more than likely to miss the next game against Vietnam, and potentially the rest of the tournament. Chinese Taipei struggled against the Japan side, with a shocking 9.3% possession in the first half, and didn’t have their first touch in their attacking box until the 37th minute. 

As the first-half rolled to a close, the closest shot of the game arrived, with Hsu Yi-Yun nearly sending the ball into her own net after a masterful cross from Japan’s Mina Tanaka. Goalkeeper Wang Yu-Ting got her finger on the ball to slow it down, allowing Chang Chi-Lan to backheel it off the line.

The half-time break allowed both teams to regroup and get a much needed break from the Australian heat, once they returned, they were ready to go and change the score for the 1,223 fans at HBF Park.

The renewed energy on the pitch was felt by both players and spectators as the whistle to begin the second half was blown.

61 minutes in, and Momoko Tanikawa scored the first goal of the game for Japan and set the score at 1-0, giving Japan the final push they needed to play their best football. They continued to play well and hold the ball away from Chinese Taipei for the remaining time in the period, they held an 89.5% possession and in the 92nd minute of the tense game, Japan substitute, Kiko Seike locked in the win with a skillful header straight into the goal. 

The final shots on goal statistics were quite shocking with Japan leading 30-0, although the win was expected, and Japan are expected to soar through their games against India and Vietnam, it was impressive for Chinese Taipei to hold off a goal for as long as they did. It will be very interesting to see how to fare against some lower rated teams than Japan, especially their game against Vietnam on the 7th.

Japan coach Nils Nielsen spoke with media after the game saying,

“We need to be a bit more sharp (in attack.) But this was the first game and now we are in the tournament and opened it with three points, so you cannot be unhappy with that”

Japan next play on Saturday against India back at HBF Park, with a predicted temperature upwards of 38℃. It'll be a tricky game, but an interesting one nevertheless.

Article written by Milla Sinfield