AFC Asian Cup 2022: Japan Start As Favourites In Quarterfinals Against COVID-hit Thailand

Japan opened their Asian Cup campaign with an impressive 5-0 win against Myanmar and scored three past Vietnam.

Navi Mumbai: Defending champions Japan will fancy their chances against a COVID-hit Thailand team that has asserted it will be no pushovers when the two sides meet in a quarterfinal match of the Women’s Asian Cup here on Sunday. Assistant head coach Natsuko Todoroki on Saturday declared that Thailand are ready to face Japan despite a COVID-19 outbreak in the squad.

Thailand’s plans have been disrupted as head coach Miyo Okamoto and several players will miss the match but Todoroki said the Southeast Asian side are far from demoralised and will take the game to two-time defending champions Japan at the D.Y. Patil Stadium.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Todoroki stressed that Thailand are taking all the necessary measures to be match ready for the Japan tie. “It’s a challenging situation but as a member of the Thailand Football team, we are proud to play in a top level competition like the AFC Women’s Asian Cup,” said Todoroki.

“We have enough players according to the regulations and the outbreak will not stop us from playing to the best of our abilities to achieve our goal of qualifying for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. We are determined to be competitive against Japan.”

“We are in a pandemic situation with all medical and safety protocols in place. However, we also understand that no bio-bubble is completely secure. Our situation is clear and we will play as long as we have the minimum 13 players and our warriors will give it their best for Thai Football and for the fans who have been so supportive.”

“We will continue working with the AFC. They have provided the best possible medical care to our players and are always available to help us and the players. As we know, it isn’t easy organising a football tournament during a pandemic wave but they’ve done their best to make the situation better for everyone.”

After starting their campaign with a 1-0 defeat to Philippines, Thailand bounced back in style with a 4-0 win over Indonesia. Against Australia, they lost 2-1 after a fighting performance and advanced as one of the two best third-placed teams.

Veteran forward Pitsamai Sornsai echoed Tdoroki’s sentiments, saying that the whole team is working hard to reach the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup despite the tough circumstances.

“Qualifying for the FIFA World Cup means a lot to us. Playing the highest level of football has always been our goal. We will keep working hard and will try our best to achieve our target. Playing against Japan will not be easy as they are the defending champions but if given a scoring opportunity, we will not hesitate to take it.” said Thailand’s record goal-scorer Sornsai.

Japan opened their Asian Cup campaign with an impressive 5-0 win against Myanmar and scored three past Vietnam. Ikeda’s side finished top of Group C following a 1-1 draw against South Korea.