The Women’s World Cup is fast approaching as we face other continental tournaments in the next couple of months. While waiting for these to be completed, let’s have a look at who are the players to watch from the concluded Asian Cup 2022. The favourites are Australia and this year’s winner China. However, there are also significant promising players coming from regular World Cup joiners such as South Korea and Japan and the first-time attendees Philippines and Vietnam.
Women’s World Cup: Hasegawa rises from Japan
The West Ham midfielder is a stand-out for Japan in their last outing at the Asian Cup. Bringing her consistency and versatility, she first started her professional career in Nippon TV Tokyo until she moved to AC Milan to compete in Italian Serie A. She moved to East London to join West Ham last year for a two-year deal. Hasegawa has been a member of the Japan National Team since U17 climbing up to Seniors. She has also been a part of Nadeshiko which won the 2018 Asian Cup championship. Her goal against the Netherlands has been nominated as a Goal of the Tournament in the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France.
Embed from Getty ImagesBolden lifts the Philippines to its first ever Women’s World Cup
The striker who brought the Philippines to its first-ever World Cup is set to deliver once again for her nation. Born and raised in California, Bolden played for Loyola Marymount University. She is currently signed in Chifure AS Elfen Saitama playing in WE League Japan. She became part of the Philippines National Team in 2018 participating in the Asian Cup. Bolden also scored the winning goal against Jordan in their first group stage match. Her winning penalty kick in the thrilling shootout against Chinese Taipei gave the Philippines its first trip to the World Cup this 2023.
Embed from Getty ImagesWomen’s World Cup: Nhu becoming a legend in Vietnam
Vietnam’s team captain and four-time Vietnamese Women’s Golden Ball winner is becoming a legend at her own pace. Leading the Vietnam National Team to its first-ever World Cup appearance, Nhu is also the current top scorer in the Vietnamese Women’s Football Championship. She was also given the Labor Order medal by the Government of Vietnam for her outstanding achievement in Vietnam sports, particularly women’s football.
Embed from Getty ImagesWomen’s World Cup: Reliable Ji
Ji So-yun. The Chelsea veteran’s striker who sent Australia out of the Asian Cup tournament is one of the highlights of South Korea’s performance in the competition. Ji has started representing South Korea from U17 up to the recent Asian Cup that brought her nation to its first-ever finals appearance. Ji has been nominated for various individual awards such as FIFA Best Women’s Player, FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year and more. She has won the FA Women’s Player of the Year in 2014 on top of her trophies won for Chelsea.
Embed from Getty ImagesJiali heightens from China
The Tottenham Hotspur striker became part of the China National Team in 2014. They then were competing against USA at the 2015 Women’s World Cup. She has earned the nomination for the Best Young Player of the Tournament. She also scored crucial goals at the qualifying games for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics winning against Australia, Thailand and Chinese Taipei. Prior to joining the Spurs, she was a consistent goal scorer for Shanghai Shengli in the Chinese Super League. Jiali also holds the Asian Football Confederation’s Best Overseas Player in Asia.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe magnificent Sam Kerr
She holds the all-time leading Australian international scorer, surpassing Tim Cahill’s 50 goals. Kerr, is one of the most decorated players both for club and country. She started her career when she was 15 with Perth Glory. She played with various clubs like Sydney FC, Western New York Flash, Sky Blue FC, Chicago Red Stars, and now Chelsea. Some of her individual awards are NWSL Golden Boot, Asian Women’s Footballer of the Year, AFC Women’s Asian Cup Golden Boot, and the recent Medal of the Order of Australia. It was given this 2022 for her outstanding contribution to Australia’s women’s football.
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