The match is even more anticipated as China has secured the first place in the Games, while Japan follows closely behind in the second place, three days before the conclusion of the world`s second largest sports convention.
There is a metaphor that says one is yet to be a champion if the country does not win the football match, and the country that come out victorious in the football match automatically become the winner in everyone`s hearts.
In terms of soccer, Japan is more advanced compared to China, as it is placed 6th in the world, based on FIFA`s rankings. However, looking at China`s track record all along the 2018 Asian Games, the country is also worthy of the `champion` title.
It has defeated North Korea, the country that previously held the title in the 2014 Asian Games, with 2-0 for China in the elimination group round.
The match had led to North Korea going against Japan earlier than expected in the round of 8 match, in which Japan came out as winner with 2-1.
Japan is known for its consistency in performing in the games, starting from the elimination rounds, in which the team came out as champion in the C group. It had defeated 3 times winners of the ASEAN Football Federation Cup, Thailand, with 2-0, as well as South East Asia`s representative in the AFC Cup, Vietnam, with 7-0.
Similarly, China had also shown its domination since the beginning by emerging as the winner of B group after defeating Hong Kong with 7-0, Tajikistan with 16-0, and North with Korea 2-0.
Both teams were able to pass through one obstacle or another, from the round of 8 down to the finals.
Japan led the match by beating North Korea with 2-1 in the round of 8, and then South Korea with 2-1 in the semifinals.
Meanwhile, China, which is placed 17 in the world, under North Korea (10) and South Korea (15), also claimed victory over Thailand with 5-0 in the round of 8 and Chinese Taipei in the semifinals with 1-0.
Thus, the finals of women`s football in the 2018 Asian Games truly bring the best teams in Asia, namely Japan and China, head to head against each other.
Technique-wise, Japan is known to do very well in maintaining its defense, with only one goal made by its opponent during the whole competition thus far, which was made by South Korea in the semifinals.
Every time the competition strikes, four of Japan`s back players, led by team captain Sameshima Aya, always formed a barricade that is almost impossible to penetrate.
Japan`s complex defense strategy is also reinforced by their middle fielders and forward players who move quickly and eloquently.
Their strategy on the field often confuses and intimidates their opponents as it could shake up their entire game.
The individual skills of Japanese players are also worthy of global recognition, including their mental maturity, as the team is the single squad in Asia that could be put side by side with European teams.
Meanwhile, China`s team is known for its ambitious and aggressive moves during the matches.
From the first minute of the competition, they would bombard the opponent`s goalpost and aim to make a goal in the first minutes of the game.
The team`s playing style was very fitting to the formation of players they have in the team, reinforced by striker Woman PSG, Wang Shuang, who have made 6 goals, as well as Wang Shanshan who has made 12 goals, making her the player with the most goals made in the 2018 Asian Games.
Observing weaknesses
In a press conference held in Palembang, on Thursday, both Japanese and Chinese coaches lauded the performance of their opponents.
Takakura Asako, coach of the Japanese team, said that China has one of the best mentalities when playing on the field.
"The team is relentless, they do not back down and always up for the competition. This is surely something we have to anticipate as we know how all the players in this team perform," Asako noted.
Similarly, Jua Xiuquan, coach of the Chinese team, lauded the performances of the Japanese team, saying that their defense is the best yet.
"They are very organized when playing; at the same time, they manage to remain calm. It did not come as a surprise that they are one of the best in the world at the moment. It is an honor for us to be able to go against them in the finals," Jia remarked.
The match between Japan and China will be exciting because both teams have ways to play that contradict each other.
Apart from the advantages and disadvantages of each team, it is clear that both the teams will give their all in the bid to take home the Asian Games gold medal.
For Japan, the match is a crucial one, as they have the chance to prove their skills as the best team in Asia, based on FIFA rankings, which place the country in the 6th position of the world, one level above Brazil.
The Japanese national team has so far scored a number of stellar achievements, including the 2011 German World Cup champion and the London 2012 Olympic silver medal.
As for the record at the Asian Games, Japan won the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, ranked second at the Asian Games in Beijing in 1990, Hiroshima in 1994, and Doha in 2006. They have also won bronze medals in the 1998 Asian Games in Bangkok 1998 and in Busan in 2002.
No less, for China, this Asian Games medal is also important, as the team is yet to earn its place against Japan, North Korea, and South Korea when it comes to achievement ever since the era of modern football.
China`s record at the Asian Games was when it emerged as runner-up in 2002 and got the third place in 2006. The team`s last victory was in the 2006 AFC Cup.
All best wishes are sent over to both teams. It is expected that they would perform to the absolute best of their abilities in the finals, due to be held on Friday (Aug 31), at the Jakabaring Sriwijaya Stadium, Palembang, at 18.30 WIB.
Reported by Dolly Rosana and Aria Cindyara
(UU.KR-ARC/INE)
EDITED BY INE
(UU.KR-ARC/A/KR-BSR/A014) 30-08-2018 23:39:20
Reporter: Aria Cindyara
Editor: Andi Abdussalam
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
