On Sunday 23 February (local time), Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women's National Team) played their second match of the 2025 SheBelieves Cup at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, where they defeated the Colombia Women's National Team 4-1.

Japan made five changes to the side that beat Australia 4-0 but stuck with the same 4-3-3 formation. HIRAO Chika (Albirex Niigata Ladies) started in goal alongside a backline of KITAGAWA Hikaru (BK Hacken), MINAMI Moeka (AS Roma), KOGA Toko (Feyenoord) and TAKAHASHI Hana (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Urawa Reds Ladies). MIURA Narumi (Washington Spirit), returning to Nadeshiko Japan after a one-year, five-month absence, anchored the midfield, while MIYAZAWA Hinata (Manchester United) and TANIKAWA Momoko (Bayern Munich) paired up in the centre. UEKI Riko (West Ham United), TANAKA Mina (Utah Royals) and FUJINO Aoba (Manchester City) were up front.

The first goal came just 17 seconds into the first half when Tanikawa won possession in the opposing half before unleashing a left-footed shot from distance that found the top right-hand corner of the net. Japan doubled their lead in the eighth minute when Tanaka headed home a corner kick from Tanikawa.

Colombia, who have grown rapidly in recent years thanks to the emergence of young talent, looked to create chances on the counter-attack, but Japan responded with solid defending, with Miura denying crosses and Hirao making saves in the area. However, Japan conceded a goal to Linda CAICEDO in additional time to end the first half 2-1.

Coach Nils NIELSEN made two changes at half-time, bringing on HAMANO Maika (Chelsea) and NAGANO Fuka (Liverpool FC) for the second half, with Miyazawa anchoring the midfield, Takahashi at centre-half and Koga at right-back.

Japan continued to control the tempo of the match in the second half and scored their third goal in the 57th minute, when Minami intercepted Colombia’s long-feed, allowing the three forwards, Fujino, Tanaka, and Hamano to combine for a goal, as Hamano marked a goal in back-to-back matches. After Tanaka converted a 79th-minute penalty, Japan ran out 4-1 winners.

Japan's second win of the tournament was followed by a 2-1 victory for the USA over Australia. The two teams are now level on points, but Japan have the advantage on goal difference.
(※Comments from the Japanese players on this match against Colombia can be found on JFA's various social networking sites.)

Nadeshiko Japan will now travel to San Diego, California, to take on the USA in their third match on Wednesday 26 February.

Coach's Comment

Nils NIELSEN, Head Coach of Nadeshiko Japan
We were able to take an early lead in the first half and it was a good start for us, which is not often the case. Tanigawa scored a lovely goal. I am sure she was happy about it too. The scoreline was 4-1, but the two teams were evenly matched and not as far apart as the scoreline might suggest. Colombia are tough, fast and have world-class players, especially up front. It's great that we were able to win the way we did. Given the short interval between games, it was also very good that we were able to win while giving the players a bit of a rest. (Ahead of the next match against the USA), I watched the USA vs Colombia match, and if the USA see any openings, they will take advantage of them, so it is important to reduce mistakes while playing Japan's strong point, which is the passing game. We were able to win again today, but we made more mistakes than we did against Australia. If we make the same mistakes against the USA, they will take advantage of them, so we have to be careful.

2025 SheBelieves Cup

Tournament dates: Mon. 17 February - Fri. 28 February
Venue: Shell Energy Stadium, State Farm Stadium, Snapdragon Stadium (USA)
Tournament information

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