China chase glory days at Women’s Asian Cup but Japan, Australia, North Korea stand in way
The holders have won the title 9 times but results since lifting the trophy in India have been disappointing
Defending champions China are looking to recreate their glory days at the Women’s Asian Cup, but the Steel Roses’ hopes of a record 10th title face a daunting challenge from powerhouse Japan, hosts Australia and dark horse North Korea.
The 12-team competition gets under way in Western Australian city Perth on Sunday, when Sam Kerr’s Matildas face the Philippines in a tournament organisers hope will create a similar buzz to the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
That showcase, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, sparked massive public interest in women’s football, with strong crowds and television audiences.
While the Asian Cup is not the World Cup, organising committee chief Sarah Walsh, a former Australian international, still had high hopes and said it would “absolutely be the biggest Women’s Asian Cup ever”.
Walsh stressed the event was also about helping further break down barriers for women on a continent where gender equality can sometimes lag.
“We have a responsibility as hosts … to make sure that this isn’t just 21 days of fun but that we are progressing the development of the countries that are playing in the finals,” she said.