On Saturday 8 October, one day before their MS＆AD CUP 2022 match against the New Zealand Women's National Team, the Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women's National Team) held an official training session at the match venue, Nagano U Stadium (Nagano).

Under cloudy skies, the team went through agility drills before conducting passing drills to warmup for the session. The three goalkeeper were seen going through their own drills to get a feel for the ball. The team had travelled from Hyogo following their friendly match against Nigeria on Thursday 6, but the players showed great energy on the pitch, as the session went behind closed doors after the first 15 minutes.

“We want to defend aggressively instead of waiting for our opponents to come to us,” said Head Coach IKEDA Futoshi at the official press conference held afterwards. “We want to showcase plenty of aggression and quick transitions that makes it hard for the spectators to take their eyes off the match.”

On this day, New Zealand also held their training session, where they were seen going through their warmup routines in a relaxed atmosphere for the first 15 minutes, in which the session was opened to the media.

With the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia/ New Zealand 2023™ just around the corner, New Zealand's Head Coach Jitka KLIMKOVA commented in the press conference, “Japan has a unique style of play. They are technical, creative and unpredictable, not only with their starters but also with their substitutes,” she said, but also mentioned, “It won't be an easy game, but we've prepared well for this match.”

The MS＆AD CUP 2022 match between the Nadeshiko Japan and New Zealand Women's National Team is scheduled to kick-off at 14:55 on Sunday 9 October at Nagano U Stadium.

MS＆AD CUP 2022

Fixture: Nadeshiko Japan vs New Zealand Women's National Team
Date: Sun. 9 October [14:55]
Venue: Nagano U Stadium (Nagano)
Tournament Information