All last four teams pledge ready for women's soccer semis at Asian Games
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E-mail Xinhua, August 28, 2018
All the semifinalist teams for the Asian Games women's football tournament pledged on Monday their fitness for the matches to fight for the final berths.
At a joint press conference in the Asiad Palembang media center, coaches and players of China, Chinese Taipei, Japan and South Korea expressed their optimism for the coming semifinals on Tuesday.
"We have been fully prepared for the semifinals and we are really looking forward for the match," said Chinese team head coach Jia Xiuquan, adding his team has been working hard to get into the semifinals.
Midfielder Ren Guixin said the team would demonstrate the best of the Chinese women's team, saying "we are proud of representing our country here."
To prepare for the semifinal against China, Chinese Taipei head coach Horino Hiroyuki said that preparations in his team have been all set for the match, saying "China is a very strong team. We are very happy to have a match tomorrow with the Chinese national team."
China advanced to semifinals by trashing Thailand 5-0 after leading its group with nine points with 25 goals against nil, including a 2-0 win over defending champions DPRK.
Against South Korea in the other semifinal, Japan coach Asako Takemoto said that her players are familiar with several South Korean players as they met before in clubs as well as international tournaments.
"We know how skillful and talented they are. However, to win the semifinal match we have to compete against South Korea. It would not be so easy," said Takemoto.
South Korea coach Yoon Dukyeo said that the team was honored to get the chance to play Japan in the semifinal.
"Until now Japan is a very good team. I already told the players to do well, not making mistakes. We want to make history here. We would fully demonstrate the South Korean football in the match," said Dukyeo who guides South Korea to qualify for the 2019 women's World Cup.
Japan and South Korea are scheduled to play the first semifinal in Gelora Sriwijaya stadium here in the afternoon, followed by the other semi between China and Chinese Taipei in the night.
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