PERTH, Australia, March 4, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Bayern Munich midfielder Momoko Tanikawa finally cracked a dogged Taiwan on Wednesday as powerhouse Japan kicked off their Women's Asian Cup with a 2-0 victory in Perth. Brimming with a talented squad featuring 16 England-based players, Japan dominated a one-sided match played in fierce heat. Taiwan, who reached the last eight in the last edition in 2022, fought gamely with goalkeeper Wang Yu-ting producing a superb performance. Under Greenland-born Nils Nielsen, Japan's first foreign-born women's coach, the team has vowed to play in a fast and brash manner. Tanikawa then hit the left post as Japan had an astonishing 13 shots within the opening 15 minutes.
