Perth: A gritty performance in their previous group game would have certainly boosted their confidence but India’s task would be cut out when they face a formidable Japan in their second match of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup here on Saturday.
India conceded an injury time goal, just three minutes before the final hooter to suffer 1-2 defeat to Vietnam and lose a valuable point in their opening Group C match on Wednesday.
Vietnam featured in the 2023 FIFA World Cup, and a gutsy fight against them and an equalising goal through debutant Sanfida Nongrum would instil confidence among Amelia Valverde’s wards.
But world No. 8 and two-time champions Japan will be a totally different side, vastly superior than the Indians. Valverde’s task could be more of maintaining compactness and working on defensive resilience, while looking to hit on the counter.
Winners of FIFA World Cup in 2011, Japan made 87 entries into Chinese Taipei’s penalty area in their previous match, and the Indian defence, marshalled by captain Sweety Devi, will be extremely busy on Saturday. India would also look to limit the number of goals from Japan as goal-difference could play a role in deciding the third-ranked team in the group. Vietnam and Chinese Taipei face each other in another match on Saturday.
The top two sides from each of the three groups, along with the two best third-placed teams, will progress to the quarter-finals.
Valverde, however, expects her side to maintain the intensity it showed in the 1-2 defeat to Vietnam. “The team is feeling very good. We had the advantage of taking two days to recover and to prepare for this big game against a good team like Japan,” said Valverde ahead of Saturday’s match. “We know Japan like to dominate possession and play dynamically. We need to prepare our own game and aim to put on a strong performance, remaining competitive like we were against Vietnam.”