On 6 November, the two remaining third-round matches of the 38th Empress's Cup All Japan Women's Football Tournament were held at the Coca Cola West Hiroshima Stadium. Now all eight teams advancing to the quarter-finals are decided.

Pick-up Match 1

Nippatsu Yokohama FC Seagulls (Nadeshiko League Division2／Kanagawa) 1-2（0-0, 1-1 ext. 0-0, 0-1） JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies (Nadeshiko League Division1／Chiba)

The first match saw the meeting between NHK Spring Yokohama FC Seagulls (Nadeshiko Division 2/ Kanagawa), who got through to the third round for the first time, and JEF UNITED ICHIHARA CHIBA LADIES (Nadeshiko Division 1/ Chiba).

In the beginning, JEF tried to build up their offense centred around forward SUGASAWA Yuika, who strung passes with one touch or delivered the ball behind the opponents’ defenders, but were unable to get through the opposing defence.

On the other hand, NHK Spring defended solidly and created chances on counter-attacks, where they threatened the opponents’ goal by attempting shots or sending crosses. Furthermore, forward ISHIHARA Ami tried to open the scoring by running behind the opposing defenders or using the open space on the flank. Then in the 35th minute, they earned a free kick just in front of the goal off quick counter-attack, and KAGA Kouko fired a shot to the left side of the goal, but failed to find the target. Before the end of the 1st half, JEF also had their chance to score an opener, but it hit the cross-bar. The first half ended scoreless.

It was JEF who scored the first goal in the opening minutes of the second half, where Sugasawa connected with a vertical pass by KAMOGAWA Miho and broke through the opposing defence to strike a well-aimed shot into the left corner of the net. Thereafter, JEF started to gain control of the match as the entire team contributed to their offence.

However, NHK Spring did not give up easily. Then, in the added time of the second half, MUTA Kaori managed to score an equaliser from a corner-kick. The match went into extra time.

In the first half of extra time, Sugasawa threatened the opponents’ goal in the 93rd and 94th minutes, but failed to capitalise on these chances. However, JEF were relentless and continued to attack aggressively. Then, in the 115th minute, NISHIKAWA Ayaka found a loose ball from a corner kick and smashed it into the back of the net, scoring the much-awaited go ahead goal for JEF.

On the other hand, NHK Spring, who had to use two substitutes before the 75th minute due to injuries, were persistent in their efforts to equalise, but this time they could not level the match. JEF United edged a close contest and advanced to the quarter-finals.

Match Details (Japanese version only)

Pick-up Match 2

FC Kibi International University Charme (Nadeshiko League Division2／Okayama) 0-3（0-1, 0-2) INAC Kobe Leonessa (Nadeshiko League Division1／Hyogo)

The second match was between the previous cup winner, INAC Kobe Leonessa (Nadeshiko Division 1/ Hyogo), and FC Kibi International University Charme (Nadeshiko Division 2/ Okayama).

The match moved in the opening minute as INAC quickly strung passes and advanced the ball forward, and MICHIGAMI Ayaka fired an opener to the right corner of the goal. Thereafter, FC Kibi created defensive blocks by placing all their players inside their own half and continued to defend tenaciously. INAC had their scoring chances, but KIbi reacted quickly and did not allow them to break through their defence. Just before the end of the first half, Kibi managed to take a shot after stealing the ball from an opponent, but failed to hit the target.

Entering the second half, Kibi had their biggest chance of the match in the 55th minute. HAMAMOTO Marin received a vertical pass and faced one-on-one with the opposing goalkeeper. However, her shot was flicked away and over the cross bar.

Thereafter, INAC continued to dominate possession, and OHNO Shinobu attempted to break through the opposing defence by using her dribbling skills, but could not create decisive scoring chances. Looking to change the flow of the game, they brought on MASUYA Rika in the 62nd minute. Then, her persistence to go towards the goal bore fruit. In the 72nd minute, her shot was once denied by the opposing goalkeeper, but KYOKAWA Mai found the loose ball and slotted into the back of the net. They finally were able to stretch their lead to 2-0.

The change in positioning of the players for INAC functioned well. Right before the end of the match, TAKASE Megumi added another goal to secure the win for them. The previous cup champions advanced to the quarter-finals with a convincing victory 3-0.

Match Details (Japanese version only)

Four quarter-final matches will take place at different venues including the Yurtec Stadium Sendai on Saturday 17 December.

Coaches' and Players' Comments

NAKAMURA Hiroki, Coach (NHK Spring Yokohama FC Seagulls)
Since we expected to be pressured by the top-flight opponents, we decided to focus our efforts on defence and create chances on the counter. We had tough stretches in the first half, but my players defended tenaciously. In the 2nd half, since we were on the windward side, and we tried to capitalise on this advantage and play with composure.

We got promoted to the second division for the first time. For us, this was a great opportunity to know how well we can compete against the top flight teams after playing a full season in the second division. We have to accept the fact that INAC were the better side and we were not able to play at the same level as them. However, I’m impressed with the performance today, The Empress’s Cup has given us a wonderful opportunity to learn new things and we would like to capitalise on this experience for the next season.

SUGASAWA Yuika, (JEF UNITED ICHIHARA CHIBA LADIES)
We could not score easily even though we took control of the match today. In the first half we made poor decisions, and we could not finish the play with a shot. In the second half, the opponents came more forward and there were space behind the defenders. So, we decided to exploit that open area, which eventually led to our scoring. The goal we conceded just before the end of the 2nd half allowed them to gain momentum.

The issue I found today was that we have to play persistently until the end of the match with a high level of concentration. Winning the close contest should bring us some confidence. We will keep working hard and capitalise on the this experience for the next match.

KYOKAWA Mai (INAC Kobe Leonessa)
I was expecting the opponents to focus their efforts on defence before the match. When we were trying to break down their defence, we were not creative enough to coordinate our plays and relied simply on short passes. We should have taken more shots. As a team from the Division 1 Nadeshiko League, we could have shown the level difference. Of course our aim is to win the tournament, but we need to focus one match at a time. I hope that we can work hard on the things we need to do every day and get more united towards the goal.

OTA Shinji, Coach (FC Kibi International University Charme)
Prior to the match we talked to each other that it would be good enough if we could end the first half with a score of 0-1f. We conceded the first goal in the opening minute of the first half and had difficulties in responding to crosses due to headwind, but they defended very well.

While INAC threatened our goal, we needed to find opportunities to score from counter-attacks. We didn’t have many chance, still I believe my players performed brilliantly. I only expected to have 3 or 4 scoring opportunities. We have the promotion/relegation matches to stay in Division 2 soon. Now we must switch our mind and work hard for these matches.

Quarter-finals (12/17)

Fixtures and Results (Japanese version only)

38th Empress's Cup All Japan Women's Football Tournament

2016-10-22(Sat.)～2016-12-25(Sun.)

Tournament Information