By David Gold
September 1 – World Cup winners Japan were one of six sides who kicked off the final women’s football qualification tournament for the London 2012 Games in Kuala Lumpur today.
The reigning Asian champions Australia join North and South Korea, Thailand, China and the World Cup holders in a six-team group, in which each side play each other with the top two progressing to compete in London next year.
The Japanese should face tough competition from Australia and North Korea, though the latter have been diminished by a FIFA ban handed out to five of their number for failing drugs tests during this year’s World Cup in Germany.
China will also look to impress in front of a home crowd, and their coach Li Xiaopeng said: “After months of hard preparatory work, we are ready to face even the toughest of challenges.
“The most important thing now is not how we cope with the pressures, but how we are prepared mentally.”
Thailand are the only team who had to qualify to reach this stage, with the other five competitors advancing automatically to the final group.
They will be confident of their chances after having dominated a tough second phase group against Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Jordan and Iran.
Australia are boosted by the return of Sarah Walsh (pictured) up front and Thea Slatyer in defence, whom coach Tom Sermanni, says, “bring special qualities to the squad.
“Now they are fully fit will give us the added bonus through their extensive experience and knowledge of playing big matches in Asia.”
Games take place between September 1 and 11.
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