SYDNEY, March 14, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Coach Nils Nielsen said Saturday Japan have the tools to take apart the Philippines in their Women's Asian Cup quarter-final as the ominous two-time champions bid to keep a fourth straight clean-sheet. The highest-ranked team in the competition and the only Asian side to win the World Cup, Japan have been clinical so far with three wins from three games in the group phase. "The Philippines are a very hard-working, disciplined and interesting side to watch, and it's going to be a challenge for us," said Greenland's Nielsen, the first foreign-born coach of the Japan women's team. For the Philippines' Australian coach Mark Torcaso, reaching the final eight is an achievement in itself. The winner will bank automatic qualification for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil and line-up a semi-final against either South Korea or Uzbekistan.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha March 14, 2026 18:50 UTC