Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: Following yesterday’s dramatic AFC Women’s Asian Cup Jordan 2018 draw, the head coaches of five of the tournament’s contenders share their reactions with the-AFC.com
Alen Stajcic: Heach coach, Australia
The-AFC.com: The major talking point will be that you are playing against Japan. What is your immediate to playing the reigning champions in the group stage?
Alen Stajcic: It’s not only Japan, it’s a tough group. There’s three tough opponents there, so we take every game as it it comes. We know we’ve got the defending champions but also Korea Republic, who are a very good team, and Vietnam who reached the playoff last time, so we know it’s a very tough group and we’ll have to be at our best to reach the semi-finals.
The-AFC.com: Would you like to say anything more about the other two teams, Korea Republic and Vietnam.
Stajcic: Korea Republic has improved a lot, and so has Vietnam in the last few years, so they will all be tough opponents.
The-AFC.com: Australia has enjoyed a very successful 2017. How confident are you that the team will continue on that path and become champions in Jordan?
Stajcic: It’s our objective to win the tournament, but we know its going to be very tough. Having a tough group like this will certainly prepare us for the semi-finals, if we get that far.
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