China chase glory days at Women’s Asian Cup as Japan, Australia threat looms

The 12-team competition gets under way on Sunday in the Western Australian city of Perth. Read more at straitstimes.com.

SYDNEY – 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 on Sunday in the Western Australian city of Perth, when Sam Kerr’s Matildas face the Philippines in a tournament that 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 has high hopes, saying that it will “absolutely be the biggest Women’s Asian Cup ever”.

Walsh stressed that 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.