It may hardly be the proper time to ask Japan coach Norio Sasaki questions concerning the forthcoming FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Germany this summer. The shrewd tactician, who took Japan to the Asian title at last August’s AFC U-19 Women’s Championship to book their second consecutive appearance at the global showpiece, could be forgiven for having his mind elsewhere: as boss also of the national senior side, he is currently focusing on preparing the Nadeshiko for Thursday’s semi-final clash with Australia in the ongoing 2010 AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
A win against the Matildas will book Japan’s place in next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Germany, and should they lose, Sasaki’s side will have to face either hosts China or title-holders Korea DPR in the third-place playoff with the winners obtaining Asia’s third and last berth. With so much at stake, the under-pressure coach still managed time to talk with FIFA.com about his junior side’s prospects and preparation for the youth women’s tournament two months away.
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