The 17th Asian Games (2014/Incheon)  Knockout Stage
Fri. 26 September 2014   Kickoff at 20:00   90minutes
Hwaseong Sports Complex Main Stadium (Hwaseong /Korea Republic)

Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women's National Team)   9-0 (1st 4-0, 2nd 5-0)   Hong Kong Women's National Team

Scores
3min　   MASUYA Rika (Nadeshiko Japan)
10min　 Own goal (Nadeshiko Japan)
14min　 NAKAJIMA Emi (Nadeshiko Japan)
26min　 MASUYA Rika(Nadeshiko Japan)
49min　 IWASHIMIZU Azusa(Nadeshiko Japan)
60min　 KIRYU Nanase (Nadeshiko Japan)
66min　 TAKASE Megumi (Nadeshiko Japan)
76min　 SUGASAWA Yuika (Nadeshiko Japan)
81min　 KIRYU Nanase (Nadeshiko Japan)

Starters
GK   KAIHORI Ayumi
DF   IWASHIMIZU Azusa,  OSAFUNE Kana,  USUI Rie,  HAZA Hisui
MF   NAKAJIMA Emi,  KAWASUMI Nahomi,  KIRYU Nanase,  NAOMOTO Hikaru
FW  KIRA Chinatsu,  MASUYA Rika

Substitutes
GK   YAMANE Erina
DF   ARIYOSHI Saori,  KITAHARA Kana,
MF   SAKAGUCHI Mizuho,  MIYAMA Aya,
FW  TAKASE Megumi,  SUGASAWA Yuika

HT　 KAWASUMI Nahomi　→　TAKASE Megumi,
66min　MASUYA Rika　→　SUGASAWA Yuika
78min　 NAKAJIMA Emi　→　SAKAGUCHI Mizuho

Match Report

With the group stage is over, the women’s football went into knockout stage. In quarter-final match, Nadeshiko Japan took on Hong Kong women’s national team who finished third place in Group C.

Head coach Sasaki started the game by changing starting members from previous matches with Haza and Naomoto, starter for first time in this competition. As early as three minutes into the game, Kira tried to goal by header off the cross ball from right flank Kawasumi and Masuya headed home the opener for deflected ball. In the 10th minute soon after, Haza’s cross from right triggered the other side’s own goal for additional score. Streak of goals continued as Nakajima’ free kick found the net in 16th minute. Masuya was on target again for scoring cross for 4-0 in the 26th minute adding her tallies. Went on to the second half with that score.
Head coach Sasaki replaced Kawasumi with Takase who has been sidelined and adjusting in the different training program due to her injury. Following goals of Nadeshiko Japan in 49th and 60th minute, Takase’s header found the target for Kira’s cross in the 66th minute. Another goal of header was taken from corner kick by substitute Sugasawa in the 75th minute. Finally, Kiryu concluded Nadeshiko Japan’s goal scoring spree with middle shoot which pressured goalkeeper to humble the ball for 9-0. Nadeshiko Japan kept dominating the game for 34 shoots and zero for Hong Kong and confidently advanced to semifinal.

At other venues, Korea DPR, Korea Republic and Vietnam won the game for last four and Nadeshiko Japan will be facing Vietnam in semifinal.
The game for clinching the berth for final will be at 17:00 on Monday 29 July.

Comments

SASAKI Norio, Head Coach
In spite of pressure for kicking out of the tournament once we lose, I appreciate young players showed stable performance on the pitch, better than expected, for generating a good result. The squad has been picking up their speed as injured players come back. I felt something not right of team’s foundation in group stage and I tried to improve them in two days of training. Hoping to raise quality of play for the final, I was satisfied with each player kept their concentration for quickly switching offense and defense during the period following scoring goals. It won’t be easy to beat Vietnam, the opponent at semi-final, as they know how to win the match. Keeping good team condition, I want to proceed to the final.

TAKASE Megumi (INAC Kobe)
Wanted to score the goal. I became confident for getting goal securely for receiving good pass. I wasn’t up to the speed at the beginning of training but I felt I am recovering a lot as I played on the pitch. Really enjoyed playing and I wish I could have played longer. It was a good preparation for semifinal and final games. Both I and the team have a clear goal of this tournament and I want to hold good preparation for the next game.

KIRYU Nanase (Sky Blue FC/America)
I thought I kicked wrongly but I was glad to score both of two goals. Happy to win the game but it would have been better if we could have played for the next game in our mind.

MASUYA Rika (INAC Kobe)
For scoring scene, it was good as it was situation where all I should do was just to score it. I should have made more space and enhance interactions with other forward players. The defense would not work without good interactions. I get used to the interactions as I play more games but still lot to improve.

HAZA Hisui (Nittaidai)
Starter for the first time, I came to realize so many people have been supporting me to this date. I didn’t get that nervous for other players giving me a voice. I was going to get involved in offense aggressively as side back player and be a part of scoring. I believe I could have done better and found something I need to improve. Reviewing the other side’s own goal, my team mate could have scored the goal if I had sent the cross accurately and I want to improve that point. My strengths are long feed and direct cross and I want to send pinpoint cross. I think a good player is the one who can play in multiple positions. I want to improve the skills as side back and center back.

Match Schedule