Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women’s National Team), who are currently participating in the EAFF E-1 Football Championship 2025 Final Korea Republic, faced the Korea Republic Women’s National Team (ranked 21st in the FIFA rankings) in the second matchday on Sunday 13 July, at Hwaseong Sports Complex in Hwaseong.

Japan, ranked seventh in the FIFA rankings, lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, making six changes to their starting XI from the opening match. OKUMA Akane (INAC Kobe Leonessa) started in goal, while the backline featured YAMAMOTO Yuzuki (Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Beleza), TAKAHASHI Hana and ISHIKAWA Rion (both from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Urawa Reds Ladies), and HAMADA Megu (RB Omiya Ardija Women). KANNO Oto (Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Beleza) anchored the midfield, with NARUMIYA Yui (INAC Kobe Leonessa) and UENO Mami (Sanfrecce Hiroshima Regina) playing in more advanced roles. The attacking trio up front consisted of AIKAWA Haruna, YOSHIDA Riko (both INAC Kobe Leonessa), and NAKASHIMA Yoshino (Sanfrecce Hiroshima Regina). Okuma, Hamada, and Kanno all made their senior international debuts.

Encouraged by strong home support, Korea Republic sought to unsettle Japan with their quick passing, but Japan responded with disciplined defending, led by Kanno’s intelligent positioning, Takahashi’s excellent coverage and the courageous interventions of debutant goalkeeper Okuma. Japan also began to find their rhythm, with Yoshida and Narumiya testing the Korean goalkeeper with long-range shots. The breakthrough came in the 37th minute, when Aikawa's perfectly timed through-ball released Narumiya, who powered home a right-footed strike to give Japan a 1–0 lead at half-time.

At half-time, Head Coach Nils NIELSEN brought on SHIOKOSHI Yuzuho (Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Beleza), followed later by debutant SHIMADA Hana (Sanfrecce Hiroshima Regina), who slotted in at right-back. Left-back substitute YAKATA Miyu (Mynavi Sendai Ladies) also showed attacking intent by pushing high up the pitch. Nineteen-year-old HIWATARI Moka (Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Beleza), who was also making her first appearance, was introduced to provide additional attacking impetus. Despite Japan’s dominance, the game intensified in the closing stages, with end-to-end action. Korea Republic found the equaliser in the 86th minute when Dabin JEONG capitalised on an opportunity to make it 1–1. Japan continued to push for a winner with efforts from Nakashima and Shimada, but Korea Republic held firm with committed defending.

With one win and one draw, Japan remain top of the standings and are now within touching distance of the title.

Nadeshiko Japan will face China PR in their final match on Wednesday 16 July at 16:00, as they aim to secure a third consecutive EAFF E-1 Championship title.

Coach and Players' Comments

Nils NIELSEN, Head Coach of Nadeshiko Japan
The players performed exceptionally well on the pitch. I think it was a very interesting match. Korea Republic were a very strong side, and I’m looking forward to facing them again at the AFC Women's Asian Cup Australia 2026™ next March. Several of our players made their international debuts today, and I’m satisfied with their performances overall. One of the great benefits of the E-1 Championship is that it enables us to experience high-intensity matches. The players have learned what it takes to compete on the international stage in terms of speed, intensity and sprint frequency. By recognising these differences, I believe they’ll be able to return to their clubs and continue to develop in these areas.

MF #8 NARUMIYA Yui (INAC Kobe Leonessa)
Conceding a late goal is something that often happens in football, but more than that, we needed to convert the chances we created. Personally, I had at least three clear chances that I should have scored, and that's an area I definitely need to work on. The intensity was much higher than in the first match, which made it harder for me to find my rhythm early on. As for the opening goal, Haruna (Aikawa) and I play together at club level, so we understand each other well. She provided a great ball that led to a goal. I considered flicking the ball for an assist, but I was in a good position to shoot, so I went for it. A draw means that we must go into the final match with the clear objective of winning, and I’ll do my best to help us achieve that.

MF #14 YOSHIDA Riko (INAC Kobe Leonessa)
I think we needed to adjust our approach more in the closing stages, when we were leading 1–0. I played as a forward today and was expected to drop deep to receive the ball or make runs behind the defence. I tried to adjust my movement based on what Yui-san (Narumiya) and Mami-san (Ueno) were doing, but I struggled to hold up the ball in the first half, which is something I need to work on. In the second half, as the opposition began to tire, we created more opportunities by spreading the field and having our full-backs push forward. However, we just weren’t able to convert them. Depending on how we play in our next match against China PR, this draw could be a positive or a negative result, so I will enter the match with the clear objective of winning the title.

EAFF E-1 Football Championship 2025 Final Korea Republic

Tournament Date: Mon. 7 July - Wed. 16 July 2025
Venue: Suwon WC Stadium, Suwon/Hwaseong Sports Complex, Hwaseong
Women's Competition: Japan, Chinese Taipei, Korea Republic, China PR
Tournament information