After settling for a draw in the their opening match against China at the 17th Asian Games, Nadeshiko Japan worked on the final tune-up near Incheon on Wednesday, a day prior to their second match against Jordan.
After warm-up, players started their practice with a 7v7 scrimmage with goalkeepers on four goals. Sasaki called out, “keep these in mind –the distance for supporting, angle and timing.” They widened the area in stages for the game-style practice. For the wrap-up, each player moved to her own position and went through the build-up tactics from defence to finishing and also corner kick situations. Their workout lasted an hour and half.

As for Jordan Women’s National Team, the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in May may be still fresh in your mind. At the third match of the group stage, Japan scored seven goals including Kira’s first ever goal as a Japan international, beating Jordan led by Okiyama Masahiko, who was dispatched as their head coach by the JFA. Japan will meet the third placed team from Group A or B if they get through on top of the group B. Japan will meet the leaders from Group C if they end up with the second place. To secure the top spot, Japan want to obtain as many goals as possible in the upcoming match. The second match of the Asian Games against Jordan kicks off at 8 pm on Thursday 18 September.

Comments

SASAKI Norio, Head Coach
The goal difference will be the key for the knockout stage. We will play the match striving for goals during 90 minutes. We learn from the fact that we couldn’t completely break through China’s defence, and we will take on Jordan based on what we have with us at the moment.

SUGASAWA Yuika (Jef United Ichihara Chiba Ladies)
I could score a goal in the practice today. I’m in pretty good shape. In the first match against China, I was sent in when the opponents were tired, so I could play with my physical intensity. I’d like to take advantage of it in the Jordan match as well. With my high header, I want to contribute to my team, winning on cross balls or set pieces, and then hopefully score at such opportunities. If I can score in this tournament, it would lead to my future career in the national team, so I will try to showcase myself getting goals here.

KIRA Chinatsu (Urawa Reds Ladies)
Jordan are the opponents when I was first called up for the national team and first scored a goal at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup. When I looked at the drawing of the Asian Games, the name of Jordan caught my attention. I scored in the last match against them, but I missed some good opportunities, too. I’m at the closest position to the goal on the field, so I‘d like to get involved in scoring somehow.. I will always try my best.

KAIHORI Ayumi (INAC Kobe Leonessa)
We had lots of mistakes as a team in the first match, so we’ve talked with each other to solve them. We have a number of new faces, so try to communicate with each other. And even gradually, we will work on putting up a good result. In the next match, we as a team will solidly manage potential risks to protect opponents’ attacks, and then it’s great if we can build up our offence.

Match Schedule