Preview: Japan v Australia (U20)

In a difficult opener, the Young Matildas take on Japan in their first match of the 2015 AFC U19 Championships in Nanjing, China.

Drawn in a tough Group A that includes hosts China and Uzbehkistan, Australia will be looking to get their campaign off to a positive start.

“We are hoping not to lose our first game and start the tournament well, so we need to be disciplined,” said head coach Ante Juric.

[More: Young Matildas squad named for 2015 AFC U19 Championship]

Although Japan missed out on qualifying for the 2014 U20 World Cup at the 2013 AFC U19 Championships, the 2015 Japanese side will be a tougher opponent.

Three times AFC Women's Coach of the Year Asako Takemoto will be calling on a squad that includes nine players from the 2014 FIFA U17 Women's World Cup winning team.

Player of the Tournament Hina Sugita and silver ball winner Yui Hasegawa headlines Japan's team with Rikako Kobayashi and Yuka Momiki the main offensive threats.

It is a task that Juric is acutely aware of: "Japan are one of the best nations in the world; they are technically exceptional, ahead of most teams tactically and confident in attacking."

Australia will be calling on all of the experience of their full internationals and seasoned U20 campaigners including Larissa Crummer, Amy Harrison, Emma Checker, Olivia Price, Natalie Tobin and Alex Chidiac.

The key battle for Australia will be the midfield and their ability to hold possession with the Japanese masters of keeping the ball.

Unlike in previous warm up matches, Australia's best chance will be to use their pace and mobility to play on the counter and try and surprise Japan in transition.

Defensively the centre back pairing of Checker and Ellie Carpenter, along with goalkeeper Teagan Micah will also need to be on song against a very attacking Japanese side.

While Japan enter the match - and tournament - as heavy favourites, Takemoto is also aware of Australia's danger.

“Australia has a good team and their technique has developed in recent times,” she said.

“The most important thing is that we play together to the best of our ability as a team. Strong defence and attacking imagination are required to win this tournament.”

First up points for Australia will be crucial with only the top two advancing from the group to the all-important knockout stages and a chance at qualification for the 2016 FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in Papua New Guinea.

The match will stream live at the-afc.com and you can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter for full coverage of the campaign.

Match Details

Japan v Australia

Tuesday 18 August 2015

Jiangsu Training Base Stadium, Nanjing

Kick-Off 4.00pm (local), 6.00pm (AEST)

Young Matildas’ Squad

Alex Chidiac (Adelaide United), Amy Harrison (Sydney FC), Angela Beard (Brisbane Roar), Ayesha Norrie (Brisbane Roar), Beattie Goad (Melbourne Victory), Brooke Miller (Emerging Jets, NNSW), Chloe O'Brien (Western Sydney Wanderers), Clare Wheeler (Emerging Jets, NNSW), Ellie Carpenter (FNSW NTC), Emma Checker (Melbourne Victory), Georgia Plessas (FNSW NTC),Hannah Southwell (gk) (Emerging Jets), Jada Mathyssen-Whyman (gk) (FNSW NTC), Jordan Baker (Western Sydney Wanderers), Kobie Ferguson (Emerging Jets, NNSW), Larissa Crummer, Nat Tobin (Sydney FC), Oliva Price (Sydney FC), Princess Ibini (FNSW NTC), Sophie Nenadovic (Emerging Jets), Sunny Franco (Sydney FC), Tara Pender (Blacktown Spartans), Teagan Micah (gk) (Brisbane Roar)