The East Asians head into the match having been beaten 3-1 by Japan in the semi-finals, a defeat which followed an impressive group stage campaign that had seen the Steel Roses record victories in all three of their fixtures.

Having already secured a spot at next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in France, Eyjolfsson is now eager to banish any lingering disappointment connected with their loss in the last four with a rousing finale against a Thailand side they beat 4-0 in the group stage.

“We are of course disappointed that we lost against Japan,” declared the Icelandic tactician.

“However, that game is in the past and we are now absolutely focused on our next game. We know that it is going to be a tough game for us, as Thailand were unlucky not to win against Australia, but this is a new match.

“You never know beforehand if your team is going to play to the level you expect, but the game against Thailand certainly promises to be an exciting match.

“It really does not matter what has happened in the past, all that matters is that you look forward and focus on winning the next game you have, which is something we absolutely intend to do.”

JAPAN

The reigning champions will play in their fifth major tournament final in seven years after a challenging campaign, but one marked by steady improvement.

After kicking their campaign off with straightforward 4-0 win over Vietnam, the Nadeshiko faced a difficult first half in a scoreless encounter with Korea Republic before producing a much improved display, and securing a place in the semi-finals, in a gripping 1-1 draw against pre-tournament favourites Australia.

Asako Takakura’s side continued their upward trajectory with a comprehensive 3-1 victory over China PR in the semi-final, with Player of the Match Mana Iwabuchi opening the scoring, before a brace by substitute Kumi Yokoyama put the result beyond doubt.

---

2014 AFC Women’s Asian Cup Final – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, 25 May 2014

JAPAN 1 (Iwashimizu 28’)

AUSTRALIA 0

The then-world champions added a first Asian title to their list of international honours thanks to Azusa Iwashimizu’s first-half header from a Japanese short corner routine.

Nadeshiko icons Homare Sawa and Aya Miyama finally got the chance to lift the AFC Women’s Asian Cup after an absorbing campaign, which included coming from two goals behind to earn a 2-2 draw in the group stage, and a 122nd minute extra-time winner, also from Iwashimizu, in the semi-final.

Alen Stajcic became Australia’s head coach just seven months before the tournament and reached the final, with 10 of his starting 11 in the final also earning selection for Jordan 2018.

Kerr intervened decisively for the second time in as many matches, after scoring the pivotal equalising goal in Australia’s 1-1 draw with Japan last Friday, despite being one of a number of key players left out of Alen Stajcic’s starting line-up.

The approach nearly backfired, with Australia needing a 91st minute Alanna Kennedy to salvage a 2-2 draw and extra-time, before three Mackenzie Arnold saves proved vital in a penalty shootout.

A relieved Kerr admitted Australia’s performance was not at the expected level, but revealed her joy at reaching another Asian final.

“It wasn’t our best match, but we got the win and we're going to the final, and that’s what we came here for,” she said.

“(There were) not really many positives from the game, other than that we won it, and we’re through, so that’s the main thing.”

Iwabuchi’s early strike coupled with Kumi Yokoyama’s second half brace proved the difference as the Nadeshiko booked a fifth final appearance to set up a title showdown with Australia and keep alive their hopes of successive continental crowns.

“Before the match we were all saying that we needed to finish the match in the first half,” said Iwabuchi who impressed throughout.

“Obviously it therefore helped when we scored before half-time. After the break we were then forced to play a little defensively because of China’s attacking threat.

“Today, however, was definitely our best game of the tournament so far.”

Tuesday’s semi-final was one Arnold will surely never forget, with the 24-year-old recovering from a subpar performance between the posts to produce three consecutive penalty saves and lead Australia to a third successive final.

With Australia now preparing for Friday’s showdown with reigning champions Japan, Arnold revealed she felt an obligation to win the match for her side.

The highly regarded Nadeshiko set up the title showdown with Australia thanks to the semi-final win over China PR, a hard-fought victory which came just hours after the Matildas had beaten Thailand on penalties to progress to the continental finale.

Despite Japan’s stellar progress in the tournament, and the fact that they have already secured a place at next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup, Takakura is adamant that the East Asians can improve further yet.

“I think this result against China and the (group stage) games we played against Korea Republic and Australia show that we are definitely developing as a team,” she declared.

“I also believe that our win against China was a product of the two years of planning we have had since I took over as head coach.