China and Japan have vowed to spare no effort in their respective bids to emerge triumphant in tonight’s AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia final.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Four-time champions Japan will enter the tie with a psychological edge, having already defeated twice-winners China 2-1 in the group stage.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, the East Asian rivals now meet under entirely different circumstances, with the trophy on the line and both teams are determined to rise to the occasion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
After overcoming a slow start to their campaign, China grew into the tournament, finishing second in Group B behind Japan before hitting their stride in the knockout rounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Facing Japan again, head coach Bin Ukishima expects a tight tactical battle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThroughout the tournament, they (Japan) have been a very well-organised team, so we need to prepare properly and also focus on our own structured training,\u201d said Ukishima. \u201cThere are things both teams understand about each other and also areas that are less familiar. So compared to other opponents, there may be a slightly different dynamic.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ukishima also reflected on China\u2019s progress after reaching their first final in 22 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cReaching the final has been very positive for Chinese football as a whole, but this is the result of long-term work by many coaches and people involved in player development across the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt has been 22 years since the last title and for these players, that history is not something they personally experienced. Still, this moment reflects years of consistent effort.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Japan head coach Shingi Ono, meanwhile, has guided his side back to the final after missing out in 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They were on the brink of suffering elimination against Uzbekistan but dramatically equalising in stoppage time before holding their nerve for a 3-2 penalty shootout win, which Ono believes will help with the long term development of his players.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe experience throughout this tournament has been very good for the team, and we are now focused on finishing it by winning the title,\u201d said Ono. \u201cThe key is to play to our strengths. These players are young and have not experienced a final like this before, so I want to see their courage.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The tactician expects a tight contest between Japan\u2019s fluidity and\u00a0 China\u2019s determination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cChina are a well-organised side and we must prepare properly. The final will be a completely different match from the group stage and we will focus on ourselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI don\u2019t think we have any advantage. We must be focused from the start.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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