Women's soccer Asian Games Jakarta Palembang 2018

18th  Asian Games Jakarta

Palembang 2018

Japan Wins gold In Women's soccer

In

Asian Games 2018

Antara/Palembang/ Jakarta   

         

Japan’s women's soccer team won the Asian Games gold medal after defeating China 1-0 at Sriwijaya Stadium in Jakabaring Sorts City, Palembang, South Sumatra, on Friday.

Organized attacks and defense, as well as calm and calculated play were key to Japan winning their second Games gold after first tasting success at the 2010 event in Guangzhou, China.

The only goal in the final was scored by Yuika Sugasawa in the 87th minute.

In the early minutes, Japan played more defensively, while China played more of an attacking game.

In the 14th minute, China got a golden opportunity to score but it was fluffed by striker Wang Shanshan who is the Games’ top scorer with 12 goals.

Five minutes later,  Gu Yansha's shot on goal was saved by the goalkeeper.

Japan also launched an offensive but China’s defense stood firm.

However, Japan’s midfielder Nakajima Emi long-range pass into the penalty area set up Sugasawa who headed in what was to be the winning goal.

"Our players still lack experience playing in final matches. In future, they have to practice more, and I'm sure they will get better," said China’s coach, Jia Xiuquan.

Japan coach Asako Takemoto expressed his gratitude to the players.

"China is a good team, they repeatedly attacked us throughout the game. At first it was a hard for us, but after that we knew when to launch sudden attacks to relieve the pressure, "said Takemoto.