The 2015 EAFF Women's East Asian Cup started on 1 August in Wuhan, China. Nadeshiko Japan started their challenge with a loss to Korea DPR 4-2, who won the previous championship.

The first match was the re-match of last year’s final in the Asian Games. It was mainly the young players of Nadeshiko Japan who started the game, including the midfielder KAWAMURA Yuri (Vegalta Sendai Ladies), the goalkeeper YAMANE Erina (JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies), and the midfielder KAMIONOBE Megumi (Albirex Niigata Ladies), who have experienced the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada.

However, Japan were intercepted on the ball in the centre and pressed many times, and struggled a lot.

As soon as Korea DPR stole the ball, they passed the ball around rhythmically towards Japan’s goal. In the 22nd minute, the forward RA UN SIM earned a penalty kick, but the goalkeeper Yamane saved Japan from conceding a goal.

SASAKI Norio, the coach, switched the positions between Kamionobe and the midfielder SUGITA Ami (Iga FC Kunoichi) to react better in the centre. However, after 36 minutes, the midfielder RI YE GYONG, who received a free kick in front of the goal, struck the opener. 

Japan made a further positioning change: fielding the defender TAKARA Ryoko (Vegalta Sendai Ladies) as a midfielder. Then in the 42nd minute, the forward ARIMACHI Saori (Vegalta Sendai Ladies), who reacted to a superb cross with her head from Takara, finally created a goal-scoring opportunity.

At the start of the second half, Japan were one goal behind, 1-0. The midfielder KYOKAWA Mai (INAC Kobe) moved her position towards the left side to attack back. After 49 minutes, the midfielder MASUYA Rika (INAC Kobe) struck a goal from a free kick at the far side of the goal, levelling the game.

Japan picked up their pace, and stayed calm. In the 62nd minute, YOKOYAMA Kumi (AC Nagano Parceiro) replaced Kyokawa, looking for more goals.

However, after 66 minutes, RA UN SIM got through the right wing and passed the ball to RI YE GYONG in front of the goal. Japan once more conceded a goal.

Although Sugita scored from a strong long-distance shot after 70 minutes, evening the score again, Japan started to be pressed by the opponent, who used the space behind the wing-back. Then in the 79th minute and 81st minute, RA UN SIM got through Japan’s defenders in the penalty area and scored two consecutive goals. Japan were two goals behind.

Just after conceding goals, the coach Sasaki replaced KOHATA with the forward TAKASE Megumi (INAC Kobe) in order to counter attack.

In added time, Yokoyama dribbled through to the opponent’s penalty area to take a shot, only for it to miss the goal.

Match detail

Korea Republic won the match against China PR 1-0. Currently both Korea DPR and Korea Republic earned three points, but Korea DPR is in the lead on goal difference, followed by Korea Republic in second place, China PR in third, and Japan in forth.

Japan will meet Korea Republic on 4 August, and China PR on 8 August.

Coach and Players' Comments

SASAKI Norio, Coach (Nadeshiko Japan/Japan Women's National Team)
Although the players tried positively to achieve what we were aiming to, Korea DPR competed better and scored more goals. We kept our eyes on the opponent’s counter-attacks, but the way we were intercepted did them a favour and let them counter-attack in their style especially at the end of the game.

I think the players reacted one or two steps too slowly, as they couldn’t sense risks in the vital moment. I could have tried other defensive systems and changed more players. So today’s loss is my responsibility.

I think the players did well given our current circumstances. We’d like to learn what we could and couldn’t do in today’s match to get a better result in the next one. We’ll try harder to improve individually, not mention as a team.

MF #6   KAWAMURA Yuri (Vegalta Sendai Ladies)
The opponent aimed to steal the ball to counter-attack with No.10 or No. 12. Although the opponent was not intimidating on the pitch, the way we were intercepted on the ball was not good at all, which led to their counter-attacking.

We have to improve those detailed problems, including the way we had the ball stolen and how to manage risks, so that we can win this kind of game. I think we found many tasks that we have to improve.

KIM Kwang Min, the coach of Korea DPR (Korea DPR Women's National Team)
We struggled a lot, as it was our first match and it was very hot. However, we won the game 4-2. Japan is one of the strong teams in the world, who played the final in the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada. Winning our first game against them brought us some confidence.

Schedule