NEWS

The Nadeshiko Japan women’s team will play defending holders DPR Korea in the group stage of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup next May, which will serve as a qualifier for the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

In the draw announced by the AFC on Saturday, Japan will also play Myanmar and Thailand in Group A in the eight-team tournament slated for May 19-30 in Chengdu, China.
Hosts China have been drawn to Group B with Australia, Vietnam and Korea Republic.
The top two finishers in each group will advance to the semifinals, and the top three finishers in the tournament will win a place in the World Cup, which will be held from June 26 to July 17 in Germany.
Nadeshiko Japan coach Norio Sasaki commented: “Since we are aiming to win the World Cup, we will go for the victory in the Asian Cup as well. We’d like to work on our preparation through an international tour in January and the East Asian Championship in February before going into the tournament.”

Groups:
Group A – DPR Korea, Japan, Myanmar, Thailand
Group B – China, Australia, Vietnam, Korea Republic

Match schedule:
Group A
May 19
DPR Korea vs. Thailand 　at Chengdu Sports Center
Japan vs. Myanmar　at Chengdu Sports Center

May 21
Japan vs. Thailand　at Chengdu Sports Center
Myanmar vs. DPR Korea　at Chengdu Sports Center

May 23
DPR Korea vs. Japan　at Chengdu Sports Center
Myanmar vs. Thailand　at Shuangliu Sports Center

Semifinals
May 27
Group A winners vs. Group B runners-up　at Chengdu Sports Center
Group B winners vs. Group A runners-up　at Chengdu Sports Center

Third-place playoff
May 30semifinal losers at Chengdu Sports Center

Final
May 30semifinal winners　at Chengdu Sports Center