England shrug off Japan coach's 'superior' view

Japan celebrates the goal by forward Mana Iwabuchi (16) as Australia defender Elise Kellond-Knight (8) reacts during the second half in the quarterfinals of the FIFA 2015 Women's World Cup at Commonwealth Stadium. Japan won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports

EDMONTON (Reuters) - A bullish Japan coach Norio Sasaki believes his players are technically "superior" to England's as he ramped up the pressure ahead of their women's World Cup semi-final on Wednesday.

"I don't think the players are overconfident but it seems the coach is overconfident," joked Sasaki, speaking through a translator. "The players as individuals and as a team I hope that they will keep that confidence.