Japan coach says Asian Cup crown 'well-deserved' for inspirational team

His talented team proved untouchable in reaching Saturday's final, but were pushed all the way by the Matildas with Maika Hamano's long-range 17th minute strike all that separated them in front of more than 74,000 fans in Sydney. "I'm very lucky to be working with players that are that good," said Nielsen, a former Denmark and Switzerland coach who has been at the helm since late 2024. "Japan can be an inspiration for many in some ways. We can find a style that fits our players because they are talented.