AIPS ASIA News:

Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa has outlined his confidence in Asian teams to extend the Continent’s sensational showing at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup as the focus of global football shifts to Colombia for the largest-ever edition in history from August 31 to September 22, 2024.

Australia, DPR Korea, Japan and Korea Republic will be aiming to claim a fourth coveted crown for Asia in the newly expanded 24-team format with the Continent’s sides navigating their way into the Final on six occasions in 10 editions since the inaugural Canada 2002 tournament.

Shaikh Salman said: “At the heart of the AFC’s Vision and Mission is the desire to see our teams shine on the grandest stages and our women’s teams, particularly our age-group sides, have led the way in inspiring our world-class ambitions and in attaining global success.

“Few Confederations in the world can match the collective achievements of our women’s youth teams and I know the Asian football family joins me in wishing Australia, DPR Korea, Japan and the Korea Republic as well as our team of match officials the very best of success in Colombia.”

The young Matildas will be the first Asian side to feature on Saturday when they take on the hosts at the El Campin Stadium in Bogota at 6pm. Appearing in their fifth Finals, Leah Blayney’s charges will be looking to surpass their best last eight finishes in 2002 and 2004 but will first need to contend with four-time Quarter-finalists Mexico (Sept 3) and debutants Cameroon (Sept 6) in Group A.

2010 third-place finishers Korea Republic – poised for their seventh appearance – will continue the Continent’s quest for glory 24 hours later with familiar foes and two-time finalists Nigeria expected to provide a gruelling opening Group D test at the El Techo Stadium in Bogota before facing Venezuela (Sept 4) and three-time champions Germany (Sept 7).

The Continent’s most successful side, DPR Korea, will return to the spotlight after missing out on the last edition when they take on Argentina at the Pascual Guerrero Stadium in Cali on Monday at 5pm. Champions in 2006 and 2016, DPR Korea will set their sights on sealing a record-equaling third title with Costa Rica (Sept 5) and 2022 fourth-place finishers the Netherlands (Sept 8) standing in the way in their upcoming Group F battles.

Shouldering the pride as the Continent’s most recent champions, two-time finalists Japan will be looking to hit the ground running when they open their account against Group E rivals New Zealand at the Pascual Guerrero Stadium in Cali just two hours later. The young Nadeshiko will be looking to steer past Ghana (Sept 5) and newcomers Austria (Sept 8) as they aim to reach a third consecutive final and add to their 2018 title.

Meanwhile, Asia’s representation will be further bolstered by the appointment of Kyrgyz Republic’s Veronika Bernatskaia, China PR’s Dong Fangyu, and Korea Republic’s Oh Hyeonjeong as referees.

Supporting them will be assistant referees Ramina Tsoi of the Kyrgyz Republic, Thailand’s Supawan Hinthong and Nuannid Donjangreed, Xie Lijun and Bao Mengxiao representing China PR, and Kim Kyoungmin from Korea Republic. Another familiar face, Australia’s Casey Reibelt, will also be serving as a Support Referee.

Courtesy AFC