In the morning, Nadeshiko Japan held a training session in Incheon in preparation for their quarterfinal against Hong Kong, which will be on Friday 26 September, at the 17th Asian Games. The team mainly had practice matches, adjusting their playing combinations in the strong sun - the complete opposite of the weather the day before. Sugasawa, who had been training separately, joined the others and all 18 registered players practiced together.

In the afternoon, Sasaki, the head coach of Nadeshiko Japan, appeared at a press conference with Chan, the head coach of the Hong Kong women’s national team. It has been 17 years since the Japan women’s national team played against Hong Kong in 1997. Sasaki noted: ‘Hong Kong have a solid defence, never giving up. I’m looking forward to it, as it’s going to be my first match against them.’ He also commented: `we are here to win the championship. I want the young players to improve themselves through this knockout-stage pressure, where you have to go home if you lose a match.’ It is the second time that Hong Kong is participating in the Asian Games in 24 years. They held a training camp in Korea in July in preparation for this championship. The coach noted: ‘we’re glad to experience international matches and honoured to play against Japan. We’d like to make sure there are no gaps, and that we don’t concede a goal.’

At the hotel, Nadeshiko Japan watched the U-21 Japan National Team’s game, which they won against Palestine 4-0. This good news gave Nadeshiko Japan some positive power. The quarterfinal will kick-off at 20:00 on Friday 26 September 2014.

Comment

TAKASE Megumi（INAC Kobe）
Now I’m in good condition again on the pitch thanks to the medical team. Although my injury caused my team some trouble, as the number of the registered players was limited, I’d like to contribute to the team from now. I have been watching and learning Kira’s and Masuya’s characteristic skills from off the pitch, imagining playing together. I’d like to bring this to the game when it’s needed. I think Hong Kong will protect their goal solidly. So I’ve got to think how to go through their defensive line. We came here to win the championship. So we’d like to improve ourselves even more, winning every coming game.

KIRYU Nanase（Nippon Television Beleza）
We can still improve our combination plays, but we’d like to stay vocal to play harmoniously and continue to work on this. I’d like to assist or score goals by switching swiftly or trying defensive combination plays, not to mention by attacking.

KIRA Chinatsu（Urawa Reds Ladies）
As a team and an individual, it was good that we topped our group and I will keep my wits about me in the knockout stage. I’d like to get myself ready and find the gap in the opponent’s attacking or defensive line in order to score a goal, using the limited goal-scoring opportunities. Although it’s my first Asian Games, it’s up to us whether or not Nadeshiko Japan becomes back-to-back champions. So I don’t want to be satisfied with just being a member of the team; I’d like to win the championship.

Match Schedule