The 17th Asian Games (2014/Incheon) 
Mon. 22 September 2014　Kickoff at 20:00   90minutes
Munhak Stadium (Incheon/Korea Republic)

Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women's National Team)   3-0 (1st 2-0, 2nd 1-0)   Chinese Taipei Women's National Team

Scores
3min　  SAKAGUCHI Mizuho (Nadeshiko Japan)
32min　KIRA Chinatsu (Nadeshiko Japan)
85min   KAWASUMI Nahomi (Nadeshiko Japan)

Starters
GK   YAMANE Erina
DF   ARIYOSHI Saori,  IWASHIMIZU Azusa,  KITAHARA Kana,  USUI Rie
MF   SAKAGUCHI Mizuho,  NAKAJIMA Emi,  MIYAMA Aya,  KAWASUMI Nahomi
FW   KIRA Chinatsu,  MASUYA Rika

Substitutes
GK   KAIHORI Ayumi
DF   OSAFUNE Kana,  HAZA Hisui
MF   KIRYU Nanase,  NAOMOTO Hikaru
FW   TAKASE Megumi,  SUGASAWA Yuika

63min　 KIRA Chinatsu　→　NAOMOTO Hikaru
69min　 NAKAJIMA Emi　→　KIRYU Nanase
89min　 USUI Rie　→　HAZA Hisui

Match Report

The last game of group stage.　Nadeshiko Japan, earned the same points as China, aimed to score many goals for finishing group stage in first place by goal difference. Due to injuries of Takase and Sugasawa, Sakaguchi was the one who filled forward position with Kira. The game started with Kawasumi at right half, Masuya on the left and volante combination of Nakajima and Miyama.

Three minutes into the first half, Ariyoshi broke down defense one after another and sent acute-angled cross to Sakaguchi. Sakaguchi’s calm shoot found the net for the opener. Following that, Masuya and Kira fired the shoot aggressively dominating the game but additional goal didn’t come easily.

In the middle of first half, Nadeshiko Japan changed Sakaguchi’s position to volante and shift Masuya to front and Nakajima to right. Miyama dribbled up to penalty are in the 32nd minute and passed the ball to Kawassumi on the right. Kawassumi sent cross to Kira in far side position and she headed home for 2-0.

In second half, Kiryu at the 63rd minute and Naramoto for volante at the 69th minute were dispatched to the pitch for scoring more goals. Not allowing to create any risky chance but Nadeshiko Japan stayed calm for not making decisive chances until 84th minute. Kawasumi was at right position waiting to trap the cross ball from left flicked by goal keeper and found the target by skillful loop shoot. The game ended as it was.

With China winning 5-0 against Jordan, Japan won the group stage in 1st place for goal difference and China 2nd place, both teams advanced to quarter-final. Opponent of Japan’s quarter-final match will be decided upon the result of Hong Kong vs Vietnam game in Group C on 23 September, either India, Hong Kong or Vietnam.

Head Coach and Players Comments

SASAKI Norio, Head Coach
We couldn’t freely play due to Chinese Taipei’s persistent offense and defense. It was good we didn’t let them shoot but there were some issues remaining about taking initiative. As I keep checking the progress of China vs Jordan in the same group B, we managed to top the group in first place, we are going to get ready for knockout stage based on today’s review points. The first thing we should do is to raise the quality of taking initiative in offense and defense. Adjusting these points day by day, I am going to prepare to be able to play best game at the final.

KAWASUMI Nahomi (Inac Kobe)
For second goal, I was going to shoot when I received the ball from Miyama but I chose to send cross because I saw GK was out of position and saw Kira in the far. The goal was thanks to Miyama and Sakaguchi’s tactical view of watching around them.
Talking about third goal, I tried to take a good position because I was anticipating cross from left flank and the ball was deflected couple of times during the game.
I strongly wanted to win the group stage in first place. We cannot afford to lose rest of three games, not a single game. We are determined to get together as a team for winning the gold medal.

KIRA Chinatsu (Urawa Reds Ladies)
On scoring scene, as Miyama and Sakaguchi disturbed other side’s defense, I was only to score it unmarked. I was amazed to see them broke down the other side. I am getting chance for starter due to other players’ injury but I want to start even other players in top condition. I hope to score again at big chance in big game just like today. Having scored in two straight games, I am going to keep on playing like this for contributing to team’s victory.

Match Schedule