Australia must be 'smart and adapt' to beat Japan in Asian Cup final: coachSYDNEY, March 20, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Coach Joe Montemurro told his Australia team Friday they must be adaptable and "smart" to win the Women's Asian Cup for the first time since 2010 and avenge two gut-wrenching losses against Japan in the continental final. "It's the one who wants it more and the one who is smart enough to manage the moments," he said. It will be the biggest game Australia have played since their run to the World Cup semi-finals on home soil in 2023. While many of the current team were part of their two previous Asian Cup final defeats against Japan, captain Sam Kerr is the sole survivor from the 2010 title side. "We need to bring our aggressiveness, our physical game, our speed into this game tomorrow because we know Japan probably won't like that."

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha March 20, 2026 03:21 UTC