Nadeshiko Japan had the final tune-up session on the morning of Thursday 3 March ahead of their third Asian Qualifiers Final Round match against China.

While the players who had a long playing time in the Korea Republic match, where Japan drew 1-1, went through running and stretching, the others attempted to perfect their conditioning through passing drills and other exercises.

In the afternoon, the squad spent more time taking care of their bodies and having a meeting with video footage in order to get ready for the following clash to be held on Friday 4 with only one day off. The dining room was full of life as usual.

Nadeshiko's latest matchup against China PR was the final match of the EAFF Women's East Asian Cup last August when Japan won 2-0 with goals by YOKOYAMA Kumi and SUGITA Ami. Japan have a total record of 13 wins, 16 losses and 7 ties against China PR.

French man Bruno BINI newly took up the China PR Women's National Team's coach post after the East Asian Cup to further improve the squad. Japan's coach SASAKI himself paid a visit to watch the new team playing the four nations tournament (China PR, Korea Republic, Vietnam and Mexico) last January in Shenzhen, China.

Japan stand in fifth place with one point after two matches in the Asian Qualifiers Final Round. To clinch one of the two Olympic spots for Asia, Japan need to beat China PR in the first place. "I believe the team can come through in this situation. China PR will also try to come with the attitude to get the Olympic spot just like us. With our spirit surpassing theirs, I will believe in my teammates and battle it out," said goalkeeper FUKUMOTO Miho, who has experienced a number of Asian qualifiers and international competitions.

Japan's third match against China PR Women's National Team at the Asian Qualifiers Final Round is scheduled to kick off on Friday 4 March at 19:35 at Kincho Stadium. Meanwhile at Yanmar Stadium Nagai, two matches are to be held – Vietnam vs DPR Korea (16:35) and Korea Republic vs Australia (19:35).

Players' Comments

DF ＃3  IWASHIMIZU Azusa (NIPPON TV BELEZA)
While I was watching our second match against Korea Republic from the bench, I thought if we could get a goal when we got momentum, the flow of the game would be coming to us. Being in a tough situation like this, we've got to win also because it's a competition held at home. There have never been Olympic qualifiers taking place in Japan, so I think some different element is working when we play a match under pressure.

Even if you say you don't care about it, if every one of you cares bit by bit, that means you care about it as a whole. First you need to bring out your best to turn in a good result. We will mentally prepare to play as usual with a shot and pass. We have trained well, and we are supposed to come through. Now we get back to the starting point and try to play our game.

FW #20  YOKOYAMA Kumi (AC NAGANO PARCEIRO LADIES)
I tried to aggressively shoot in the Korea Republic match and created a couple of chances, but those efforts didn't end up in a finish. We played against China PR in last year's EAFF Women's East Asian Cup and I can imagine the way they play. They drew with DPR Korea in this tournament and got momentum. I’m determined to run for the team and score a goal. We have our back to the wall but will work together as a team as usual.

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Schedule

*The schedule and venues are subject to change.

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