Asian Women's Olympic Football Qualifier: Japan, DPR Korea set to clash in Tokyo for Paris 2024 spot
Moment of truth arrives at the National Stadium where the winners on Wednesday (28 February) will secure a spot at this summer's Olympic Games.
Football
It’s do or die. Either Japan or the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea will secure a spot in the women’s football tournament at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on Wednesday (28 February).
No tiebreakers like away goals or goal difference. The winners are in. It doesn’t get more simple than that.
What will it take? Not tactics or Xs and Os or match-ups. Whoever wants it more will be left standing.
“I think we as a team know what’s at stake tomorrow,” Japan skipper Kumagai Saki told reporters on Tuesday at the National Stadium in Tokyo, where the Nadeshiko will host DPR Korea in a second leg of the Asian final qualifiers.
“It all comes down to that. Everyone understands so we’ll talk it over again tonight and head to the match. No one is too tense and I think we’re in a good place. I get the feeling we are ready to battle.
“It’s like this once you’re in the knockout phase of a World Cup and a lot of us here were at the World Cup last year. The situation is pretty similar.
“It will take each and every one of us to fight but when you get to this point, honestly it really does come down to heart. There are games you can’t afford to lose and this is one of them.
“I know it sounds simple when you say it’s about how much you want it, but that’s what it comes down to.”
The first leg in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday - moved there from Pyongyang - ended in a 0-0 draw although the Koreans had the bulk of the chances and were left lamenting not coming away with victory.
Japan appeared to struggle with the travel to the Middle East and the frying heat once they got there, being outhustled and outmuscled by their opponents.
DPR Korea coach Ri Yuil looked a confident boss on the eve of the showdown between the rival neighbours.
“We hear 3,000 of our people will be at the match tomorrow,” said Ri, who is trying shepherd his country to a third Olympic appearance. “It will almost feel like we will be playing at home and we want to come through for them.
“Whether it’s Korea or Japan, we all wear the flag on our sleeves for our countries and honour. We must go to the Paris [2024] Olympics and perform well there.”
Japan went out in the quarter-finals of their home Games at Tokyo 2020 and the last time they qualified for an Olympics dates back to London 2012, after missing out in spectacular fashion on Rio 2016 which set back the sport on and off the pitch.
Wednesday’s result will not only determine Japan’s summer plans but as well as the direction of women’s football for the next several years.
Coach Ikeda Futoshi, who guided Japan to the last eight of last year’s Women’s World Cup as the only team to beat eventual champions Spain, said: “It’s like a cup final and we’re keeping it simple. Prepare to win tomorrow and think about nothing else.”
*As National Olympic Committees have the exclusive authority for the representation of their respective countries at the Olympic Games, athletes' participation at the Paris Games depends on their NOC selecting them to represent their delegation at Paris 2024.