‘It’s 50-50’: coaches dodge ‘favourites’ question before Matildas meet Japan in Women’s Asian Cup final

<ul><li><p>Japan coach Nils Nielsen delivers comic turn at press conference</p></li><li><p>Joe Montemurro calls on Matildas to ‘manage the moments well’</p></li></ul><p>The Matildas are either “shit” or “honey” according to Japan coach Nils Nielsen, who evaded a question on whether his side are favourites in a bemusing final press conference ahead of Saturday’s Women’s Asian Cup decider.</p><p>Japan are ranked No 6 in the world and easily accounted for the Matildas 4-0 just over a year ago, but the Greenland-born Dane refused to answer a question about favouritism with a comic turn.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/mar/20/matildas-japan-womens-asian-cup-final-coaches-on-match-favourite">Continue reading...</a>