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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Sport
Jack Snape

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

Matildas Nils Nielsen Japan Joe Montemurro Alanna Kennedy United States
Joe Montemurro speaking at Matildas press conference ahead of AFC Women's Asian Cup Final
Matildas coach Joe Montemurro agreed with his Japan counterpart Nils Nielsen that neither side were favourites in the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup final. Photograph: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

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.

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.

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