Nadeshiko Japan fell 3-0 to Germany in the final of the Algarve Cup on Wednesday in Portugal, failing to claim their first title at the annual women’s tournament.
　In a rematch of their 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup quarterfinal in Germany, the two teams battled hard and finished the first half 0-0.
　To start the second half, Japan, seeking to attack more, brought on forward Iwabuchi Mana for Sawa Homare.
　But Germany, who beat Japan 4-3 in the final two years ago, also accelerated their attack after the break and took the upper hand through substitute Nadeine Kesler in the 46th minute.
　With the Japanese players looking confused, Germany quickly added another through Anja Mittag in the 50th minute.
　The former two-time world champions went on to overwhelm the Japanese and widened their lead in the 61st minute when young forward Dzsenifer Marozsan fired home a blast from mid-range.
　Japan attempted to rally but struggled to settle down and get organized enough to threaten their opponents.
　“It was a good lesson for us,” said Japan coach Sasaki Norio. “The difference was a side that could do the fundamentals well and those who committed mistakes, but I think what we are working on is OK.
　“I don’t think we need to be too harsh on ourselves. I’ve got a feeling that we are capable of doing well with those who played at the World Cup in Germany.”
　The Nadeshiko Japan will now move on to prepare for the AFC Asian Cup in May, which serves as a World Cup qualifier for the 2015 finals in Canada.
　Sasaki said, “With game experience against Germany and the United States here, we’ll work on our game.”
　Japan captain and midfielder Miyama Aya said, “This is what we can do for now, and we should accept this. I knew we have to work harder and today’s game reminded me of that. I want to start all over again.”
　Sawa said, “We managed to hold them to a clean sheet in the first half and it was hard to see the second half from the bench. We were beaten because of the mistakes we committed, so we should fix that.”
　Germany coach Silvia Neid commented, “We started the game well and pressured our opponents well in midfield. We scored goals at good moments in the second half. I think we played well and deserved to win.”