The 17th Asian Games (2014/Incheon) 1st game
(Mon.Holiday) 15 September 2014    Kickoff at 20:00    90 min.
Incheon Football Stadium (Incheon, Korea)

Nadeshiko Japan  0-0  (1st 0-0, 2nd 0-0) China Women's National Team

Starters
GK: KAIHORI Ayumi
DF: ARIYOSHI Saori, KITAHARA Kana, OSAFUNE Kana, USUI Rie
MF: SAKAGUCHI Mizuho, NAKAJIMA Emi, MIYAMA Aya, KAWASUMI Nahomi
FW: TAKASE Megumi, MASUYA Rika

Substitutes
GK:  YAMANE Erina
DF:  IWASHIMIZU Azusa, HAZA Hisui
MF:  KIRYU Nanase, NAOMOTO Hikaru
FW: SUGASAWA Yuika,KIRA Chinatsu

70min　TAKASE Megumi → SUGASAWA Yuika
77min　MASUYA Rika → KIRA Chinatsu
90min+2min  NAKAJIMA Emi → KIRYU Nanase

Match Report

The football group stage started on 14 September in the run-up to the opening ceremony of the 17th Asian Games and Nadeshiko Japan played their first match against the China women’s national team on 15 September.
After Nadeshiko Japan had a friendly against the Ghana women’s national team in Yamagata on 13 September, they flew from Sendai Airport to Incheon International Airport the following day. Sasaki, the head coach noted: ‘although the match will be just after our flight, it’ll be good practice for the World Cup next year, as there will be some flights there between matches. The captain Miyama Aya commented: ‘I expect a tough game, but we must not lose in Asia.’ The players braced their nerves on arrival in Korea, and got themselves ready in the athletes' dormitories.

Japan, who aim at becoming back-to-back champions, played against China in the same formation as the one they used against the Ghana women’s national team. The players tried a new combination with new players up front against China. But the Chinese had a solid defence and looked for chances of a swift counterattack, and Japan’s first match ended in a no score draw.
On the same day, Jordan played out a 2-2 draw with Chinese Taipei in the group stage. Japan will play their second game against Jordan women’s national team on Thursday 18 September after a two-day break.

Comments

SASAKI Norio, Nadeshiko Japan Head Coach
The players might have felt pressure, because it was our first match. So there were some passing or controlling mistakes, and they couldn’t finish with a goal. China never gave up and focused on defence, watching for a chance to counterattack. We purposely tried some semi-long or long distance shots, but sometimes preparing for those took too long. Although it didn’t work well, it was a good experience to learn something and improve their game. We’d like to focus on a quick change between attack and defence for the World Cup.

MIYAMA Aya (Okayama Yunogo Belle)
As Nadeshiko Japan, we can’t be satisfied with the draw. Having said that, I was pleased we didn’t lose at least, as we prepared the team including some new faces within just a few days. The vital thing is to know how we can play with our teammates and how we can improve. We have to win the rest of five matches. I’d like to play as a team, so that we win the championship.

KAWASUMI Nahomi (Nippon Television Beleza)
I’m really gutted, as we played as one. As China was waiting for their chance to counterattack, it was essential how we passed the ball around, and of course, how to bring it up for a shot. There will be some more games. So I’d like to stay positive.

USUI Rie (Urawa Reds Ladies)
I knew it was one of the most important games in the group stage. We chatted that we’d win this game to build up positive momentum for us. So I’m disappointed that we ended up with a draw without a goal or good play. Personally, it took too long for me to decide the next movement when I received the ball. Also I made some imaging mistakes, because the opponent came further than I’d expect in a domestic game. Even though I could dribble forward, I learned again the importance of the quality of the first-touch and positioning. There were some pointless plays, passing the ball back, but I’d like to change that in the next game. There will be two more matches in the group stage. I’d like to score as many as possible to top the group.