Asian Women's Football Championship 2010

[bon-nirnam]

Things begin to intensify for Asian Women's Football Teams heading to AFC Women's Football Championship that will take place between May 19 to 30 in Chengdu, China.

Schedules:



Group A:
Despite licking their wounds in silent, the former Champ DPR Korea who have recently been defeated by
the rising power Japan, we can be sure that DPR Korea will show up with a big roar to defend the title.

Japan have scheduled two friendlies at home leading to this tournament against Mexico. Interestingly, both Japan and DPR Korea are currently shared #5 in World ranking.

Thailand and Myanmar mathematically are distannce behind the two powerhouse, Japan and DPR Korea.
Thailand coach has, however, vowed that he will try his very best to take his team to reach World Cup
final for the first time despite all ods.

Myanmar, on the other hand, played a low key as the head coach stated that as far as competing
to the top of Continent goes, they are near but not quite there not now.


Group B:
The host China suffered a huge setback as a key player, Ma XioaXu, the former Asian Women Youth
Player of The Year suffered a torned ACL on her right Knee. Ma has also missed out 2008 Beijing Olympic due to torned ACL on her left knee.

Australians the world #14 team are aiming at semi-final round to give themselves a cahnce to return once again to the World Cup Final. You can be sure that the Matildas will do everything to finish at the top of the table.

South Korean resourced to bringing back a former star player, the towering striker, Park Eun-sun off her retirement to strengthen the ‘Taegeuk Nangja’. 

Vietnam, however, seem to move into opposite direction has two key and experience defenders opted not to joy the team despite their previous experiences of the past two sessions.

It is an interesting development for Vietnam as their chances of finishing in the top two in this group is much more relistically than that of, say, Thailand in the other group.



Plyers to watch:
1. Mana Iwabushi-Japan


The young rising star from Japan, Mana Iwabuchi. With MVP awards from FIFA's Women U17 World Cup and recently AFC's U19 CHampionship on her resume, the 16 years old sensesion who was called two the senior side for the first time in February has already made herself at home be scoring goals during EAF tournament earlier this year.




More to come-------->

[lokomotive]

looking forward to it. do you have any clue about Thais squad? Or is it maybe too early?

[bon-nirnam]

looking forward to it. do you have any clue about Thais squad? Or is it maybe too early?

Deadline for participating teams to submit their final rosters to AFC was 19 April 2010.
Hopefully, we will get to see them on official website. Waiting for press release from FAT will get us nowhere I am afraid.

[bon-nirnam]

Friendlies leading to the tournament:

On Saturday 24/04/2010, in front of 23,000 home fans, China defeated the full squad Canada 2-0



Last month, Australia also had two friendlies at home against DPR Korea.
1. Westfield Matildas   DPR Korea  2 - 2  03.03.2010    Spencer Park, Brisbane 
2. Westfield Matildas   DPR Korea  3 - 2  07.03.2010  Ballymore Stadium, Brisbane   



Nadeshiko named friendly squad
The Nadeshiko Japan women’s squad to play against Mexico in a two-game friendly series was announced on Monday.
The first match is scheduled for May 8 (kickoff at 1 p.m.) at Matsumotodaira Sports Park Stadium Alwin in Matsumoto,
and the second match is to be held on May 11 (kickoff at 7 p.m.) at Tohoku Denryoku Big Swan Stadium in Niigata.

Squad:
Goalkeepers—Nozomi Yamago (Urawa Reds Ladies),
Miho Fukumoto (Okayama Yunogo Belle),
Ayumi Kaihori (INAC Kobe Leonessa)

Defenders:
Akiko Sudo (Nippon TV Beleza),
Yukari Kinga (Nippon TV Beleza),
Kyoko Yano (Urawa Reds Ladies),
Nayuha Toyoda (Nippon TV Beleza),
Azusa Iwashimizu (Nippon TV Beleza),
Kana Osafune (TEPCO Mareeze),
Saki Kumagai (Urawa Reds Ladies)

Midfielders:
Homare Sawa (Washington Freedom - USA),
Aya Miyama (St. Louis Athletica - USA),
Nahomi Kawasumi (INAC Kobe Leonessa),
Megumi Kamionobe (Albirex Niigata Ladies),
Manami Nakano (Okayama Yunogo Belle),
Asako Ideue (TEPCO Mareeze),
Aya Sameshima (TEPCO Mareeze),
Rumi Utsugi (Nippon TV Beleza),
Yuika Sugasawa (Albirex Niigata)

Forwards:
Kozue Ando (FCR 2001 Duisburg-GER),
Shinobu Ohno (Nippon TV Beleza),
Mami Yamaguchi (Atlanta Beat - USA),
Yuki Nagasato (1.FFC Turbine Potsdam-GER),
Sawako Yasumoto (TEPCO Mareeze),
Megumi Takase (INAC Kobe Leonessa)

Coach: Norio Sasaki
     

[bon-nirnam]

Thailand Women Football Team has left for China on Sunday 09.05.2010

There is an unconfirm report that they will play two friendly matches against the host
who is in a different group

The friendlies are said to be on May 10 and May 12.



 

[charade_2010]

Please update the results and Thai squad if you know , please . 
Really I haven't got any news from the ladies ...

[bon-nirnam]

 
Thailand Women lost to China 0-2 in their first of the two scheduled friendlies

Thailand played the first of their two scheduled warm up matches against the host China on 5.10.2010 to a 0-2 lost to the host.
The biggest lost for Thailand was, however, Anussara Maijareon the speedy winger who suffered a severe ankle injury.

The two side are scheduled to meet again on 5.12.2004 as their final warm up match
before the tournament starts on 5.19.2010.

Players who are expected to suit up for their final warm up match in 4-4-2 alignment
Varapo Boonsing(GK),
Sunisa Srangthaisong, Tidarat Wiwasuku, Duangnapa Sritala, Pikul Keunpwt,
Wajee Kierdsomboon, Janpen Sriserm, Wilaipon Bootduang, Chidtawan Chawong,
Nisa Romyen and Pissamai Sornsai.




Elsewhere, Japan concluded their final warm up match at home by defeating Mexico 3-0 in their second outing.
They have beaten the same team three days earlier by the score of 4-0

[charade_2010]

That's an acceptable result but poor Anootsara ! Just some days later for her renewal .
Without Kaeobaen ...
@ bon-nirnam : I'm also a fan of Japan after seeing their performance in last FIFA Women's World Cup . So skillful ! 

[bon-nirnam]

That's an acceptable result but poor Anootsara ! Just some days later for her renewal .
Without Kaeobaen ...
@ bon-nirnam : I'm also a fan of Japan after seeing their performance in last FIFA Women's World Cup . So skillful ! 

I have seen Nadeshiko played in the US a couple of times. Really impressed my their discipline, level of enthusiasm and their game.

As for the Thai ladies, the actual game was even more impressive than the 2-0 score.
According to the report, after the Iron Rose dominated the first 15 minutes of the game, Thai ladies gained their composture and marched down to score a goal but instead of awarding them with the goal the referee gave them a corner-kick instead. They then threaten to score again on a set piece but the Chinese goalie dove and swat it away as the ball was heading to the upper triangle. The report, also, indicate the two goals scored by the host were thought to be off-side plays.

Given the opponents China senior squad that really impressive. Even though it is a warm up match but if they can keep score respectoable in their final warm up it will be a good feeling to carry into the actual tournament matches.

As for the injury, it was Supapon before the trip and now Anussara another key player.
Since they are in the toughest group of the tournament, this even makes it tougher for the team. We can only wish them the best of luck!

[bon-nirnam]

Wow, this is truly remarkable!

Thailand Women Football team had excellent outing in closing out
their pre-tournament friendly despite losing yet another match to the host China.

Playing to a 0-0 tied in the first half with Varapon Boonsing saved a penalty kick in the 16th minute.
She managed to save both the initial PK and the rebound shot that would have allowed the host to take the lead.

Mistake in clearance in 57th minute allowed China to take a 1-0 lead.
Thailand fought back and created several chances of their own in cluding in 65th minute
when Kanjana SungNgern blasted a shot just inside penalty area but bounced off China’s goalie.

Late in the game, Pikul Keunpet had beaten China’s off-side trap just to see her shot save by the goalie.
The last chance for the Thai ladies came in the final minute of the game but Nisa Romyen saw her header
just graced the outside of the goal post.

DPR Korea and Japan are opponents of different calibers compare to China.
However, this is conceivably the best result Thailand could ever wish for against a team like China.

[bon-nirnam]

Vietnam Women Football team tied with Sechuan FC women 0-0 in their warm-up match on 14.05.2010

[lokomotive]

Thanks bon-nirnam for all of your updates. As I will be in Thailand during the tournament, I hope at least to see some matches in the Thai TV. Or is this much expected? Anyway, even I searched the netr, I was not able to find any reports about the Chinese friendlies.  How you did?

[bon-nirnam]

I used thai script input on search engine.

But, it often requires negatory terms that local media used to refer to their Women National Football team.

You probably won't see their action on Thai TV but you might be able to catch them on Vietnamese TV on the net.

[bon-nirnam]

Team that we haven't hear much as usual is DPR Korea.
However, after losing EAS Champ to Japan in February, the ladies from North Korea traveled to play two matches against Australia recording one tie and one lost.

They also have two more friendlies when the Super Falcons, Nigeria Women National Football team traveled to Pyongyang to play on May 1st and 4th.

[charade_2010]

but you might be able to catch them on Vietnamese TV on the net.

Which channel ( or website ) ?

[bon-nirnam]

I am not certain if any broadcast will take place.

Here is the link to  Japan's Lady League http://www.nadeshikoleague.jp/


Latest news on warm-up matches
Nigerian Women National Footbal team the five times African Women Champ traveled to North Korea to play two friendlies a gainst North Korean Women National Team. The matches took place on May1 and May4 but not results have been reported.

[bon-nirnam]

South Korea Women Football team break their silent for the first time two days before the start of the tournament saying that they are aiming for the Championship.

South Korea Women Football team was probably trained in Frankfurt Germany as Lee Jang-Mi their star striker is playing for Frankfurt lady side.



Finally, we received scores report from DPR Korea friendlies agaisnt Nigeria.
May 1 DPR Korea won 3-0 and
May 4 DPR Korea won 1-0


 

[charade_2010]

DPR Korea 3-0 Thailand

Chengdu: Defending champions DPR Korea underlined their AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2010 title credentials with a comfortable 3-0 win over Thailand at a misty Chengdu Sports Centre on Thursday.

With coach Kim Kwang-min insisting his young squad can still continue DPR Korea's recent domination which has brought three of the last four continental titles, striker Jon Myong-hwa headed home the opener inside the first minute.

Captain Kim Yong-ae, who scored the winner in the final against China two years ago, added a second a minute later and Jo Yun-mi sealed the deserved win with 17 minutes remaining as Thailand failed to muster a real threat on the North Korean goal.

DPR Korea made the ideal start with just 50 seconds on the clock when Kim Chung- sik's right-wing cross was missed by two Thailand defenders at the front post and headed by Jon into the top corner from the edge of the six yard area with goalkeeper Waraporn Boonsing rooted to her line.

A minute later the defending champions doubled their advantage as Kim ghosted in between two defenders on the edge of the six yard area to connect with Ri Ye-gyong's low left wing cross and give Waraporn no chance with a composed finish.

DPR Korea continued to dominate, often for long spells inside the Thailand half, and Jon was denied after 25 minutes when the striker met Ri's left wing cross but goalkeeper Waraporn just managed to scramble the downward header onto the post.

With Thailand failing to manage a single effort on goal in the first half, Jon twice came close before the break as the striker fired over from the edge of the area after 33 minutes before seeing a volley deflected over five minutes later.

DPR Korea picked up where they left off after the break as Jon was sent clear through the middle less than a minute after the restart but Waraporn was quickly off her line to make a last ditch block.

Substitute Yun Hyon-hi should have added DPR Korea's third as the striker first headed onto the roof off the net from Choe's corner, shortly after replacing Wong five minutes into the second half.

And moments later the striker shot straight at Waraporn from the edge of the area before putting the rebound wide with the goal at her mercy.

But DPR Korea were not to be denied a third as Yun Song-mi's high hanging cross found Jo unmarked on the edge of the six yard area and the midfielder powered a header past an exposed Waraporn .

[bon-nirnam]

this is the link that folks in Thailand was watching this match from.

http://live.spvod.com/live/20105/spvod22124.htm



This tournament might very well change its name to 'Asean Women Football Crisis 2010'

Three matches from Asean representatives amounted to 0-GF with 13-GA.
With vietnam conceded 2 goals to Australia, Thailand yielded three goals to DPR Korea and Myanmar
gave up 8 to Japan.
These thre matches are also served as a confirmation of FIFA World Ranking system.

[charade_2010]

Thailand 0-4 Japan

Chengdu: East Asian champions Japan qualified for the semi-finals of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2010 after easing to a 4-0 victory over Thailand on Saturday at a sun-drenched Chengdu Sports Centre.

Featuring nine changes from the 8-0 opening day win over Myanmar, Japan eventually broke down a stubborn Thailand midway through the first half as Megumi Takase netted before fellow newcomers Manami Nakano and Rumi Utsugi added to the lead before half-time.

Striker Kozue Ando, who came off the bench in the second half against Myanmar, added a superb fourth just after the break as Japan ensured qualification from Group A with a game to spare.

Japan's new look line-up took time to gel but soon the Nadeshiko began to impose themselves on the contest as Aya Miyama and Nakano both went close.

They continued to dominate but found it difficult to break down defence-minded Thailand as Ando headed harmlessly into the hands of goalkeeper Waraporn Boonsing midway through the first half.

But after 27 minutes Japan finally took the lead as they worked the ball across the edge of the area and eventually Ando, with her back to goal, found Takase for her fellow strike partner to fire a low first-time shot crisply into the bottom corner with Waraporn rooted to the spot.

Japan should have added a second eight minutes before the break when Ando ran unmarked into the area to meet Nahomi Kawasumi's pull back, but with only Waraporn to beat, the striker opted for placement over power from the edge of the six yard area allowing the goalkeeper to stick out a timely foot.

The lead though, was doubled five minutes before half-time as Nakano muscled past her marker on the edge of the area to race onto Kawasumi's searching long ball before firing a low shot across Waraporn.

Only a smart point blank save from previously untested Japan goalkeeper Nozomi Yamago denied Junpen Seesraum netting with Thailand's first threat on goal in the first minute of stoppage time.

And Japan took full advantage as Utsugi unleashed an unstoppable first-time shot into the top corner from all of 30 yards on the stroke of half-time.

Japan's fourth arrived nine minutes after the break as Ando was given time and space outside the Thailand area to calmly guide a shot over a stranded Waraporn.

Chiaki Minamiyama rattled the Thailand crossbar nine minutes later before the pace of the contest slowed in the closing stages due to the heat and a raft of changes.

Thailand did produce a frantic finish in search of a consolation while Japan substitute Homare Sawa should have added a fifth in stoppage time but shot straight at Waraporn with the goal at her mercy .

 

[bon-nirnam]

Japan is playing 'the mind game' with Australia.

The day before Australia made 9 changes in their starting line-up from the squad that beat Vietnam 2-nil to went on and beat South Korea 3-1

Yesterday, Japan fielded 9 substitution players in cluding the untested goalie and beat Thailand 4-nil.

Thailand and Myanmar tasks are to stay out of number 8th spot of this well overf their heads tournamentlast. Vietnam will have a tough time as South Korea only hope to advance are for them to score as many goal against Vietnam as possible with the help of Australia
If Australia beat china 3-1 or better, South Korea will need to score atleast 5 goals while shutting Vietnam down.

The most meaningful matches of the first round are
China vs Australia, South Korea vs Vietnam and Japan vs DPR Korea on the following day.
The real tournament has just begun.

[charade_2010]

Jatuporn pleased despite missing target

Chengdu: Despite falling short of their target for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2010, coach Jatuporn Pramolbal was delighted as Thailand ended their campaign with a hard-fought 2-0 win over 10-women Myanmar at Shuangliu Sports Centre on Monday.

Like Myanmar, Thailand had lost to defending champions DPR Korea and East Asian supremos Japan earlier in the week but Jatuporn's side prevailed to secure third place in Group A.

Captain Junpen Seesraum converted a 15th minute penalty to claim a deserved lead, but despite Myanmar midfielder Khin Moe Wai being sent-off midway through the first half, Thailand had to wait until the last minute for substitute Waranya Chaikantree to head home and seal the win.

“We won, but Myanmar fought very hard and are a very strong team. We were lucky to win. We had a lot of chances and did not score, while Myanmar fought very hard,” said Jatuporn.

“We are evenly matched with Myanmar and they are a very difficult side to play especially as they defended when they only had 10 players. But we concentrated and got the win.”

Seventh ranked Thailand had earlier conceded seven goals in defeats by DPR Korea and Japan, who are ranked Asia's best, but can leave Chengdu with their heads held high after seeing off ninth ranked Myanmar.

“We are playing at the top level in Asia and it is a good chance to get experience. We are a young team and I believe we can be one of the top five teams in Asia," added Jatuporn.

“We wanted to get four points and maybe even six, but we were in a group with the best two teams in Asia and it was very hard. We nearly achieved our goal and I am pleased.”

Opposite number Myo Myint Htwe refused to comment on the first-half dismissal of Khin after the midfielder's challenge on Wajee Kertsombun as both competed for a high ball on the edge of the Thailand area saw the Thai midfielder stretchered off, but did concede it scuppered Myanmar's chances of avoiding a third defeat.

“We are not happy with the result of the tournament. We have used a lot of new players and they have gained a lot of valuable experience, but we are not happy with the overall result,” he said.

“I believe we could have beat Thailand if we did not have a player sent-off, but we played very well with 10 against 11.

“Our new talented players got a lot of good experience playing against several good teams, but we are unhappy as we failed to score in the tournament and we also lost every match, this is not good for us.”

[bon-nirnam]

Good finish for the Thai Ladies!


As for the tournament, it is interesting to see if Japan will go with full strength now that they have the two German-base strikers back to the squad.

Japan's foreign base players:
Kozue Ando-FCR Duisburg-Germany (striker)
Yugi Nagasato-FFC Turbine Potsdam-Germany (striker)
Aya Miyama-WPS-USA (mid)
Mami Yamaguchi-WPS-USA (striker)
Homare Sawa-WPS-USA (mid)