Nadeshiko Japan played a practice match on Tuesday 3 March, making final adjustments for the opening match of the FPF Algarve Cup 2015.

OGIMI Yuki commented: ‘I’d like to seek not only good results, but also good performances. I think it’s up to whether we can play our style or not against the opponents.’ The Algarve Cup is a vital opportunity for the current team to improve, thinking of the coming World Cup, as the world's strongest teams will participate. The players stayed focused during the roughly hour-and-a-half practice session.

In the afternoon, all the head coaches of the 12 participating teams appeared at a press conference. As the scale of this championship is increasing every year, there are more media this year and the international media are visiting Japan’s practice site on consecutive days. Sasaki, the head coach of Nadeshiko Japan, who took the rostrum with the other head coaches of group C, expressed his goals: ‘I’m grateful that we can participate every year. This year is the year of the World Cup. We’d like to achieve something new - winning the Algarve Cup.’

Nadeshiko Japan’s opening game in 2015 against Denmark will kick-off at 14:10 (23:10 Japan Time) on Wednesday 4 March.

Head Coach and Players' Comments

SASAKI Norio, Head Coach
I think we’re in a great group, where we can play against excellent teams. Denmark is an upcoming team. If we’re intercepted on the ball in a bad way, they’ll show their skilful attack, bringing the ball up front. So we have to prevent this. How we’ll play to make sure of gaining three points, to eliminate the opponent’s strength, or to show our skills ? these are the essential points. In terms of attack, we'll aim to exploit a gap. As it’s the best timing to participate in this great championship, I’d like to get our team in good condition for the World Cup.

OHNO Shinobu (INAC Kobe)
As the team’s condition is excellent, I hope it leads us to good results. Just like in the World Cup, the opening match is essential. So I’d like to bear this in mind when I play, as well as react to the opponent. Personally, I focus on assisting or scoring goals. I’d like to get myself ready fully both in attack and defence.

KUMAGAI Saki (Olympique Lyonnais)
Denmark is physically stronger and taller and they initiate the attack distinctively. It’s essential to understand the opponent as soon as possible on the pitch, in order to play our style. I’d like to take a good position as a defender, getting ready to move, and to play for the team’s aim. My strength is having ‘good insight’ and playing strongly towards the front. I’d like to keep challenging as a team, not to mention winning matches, so that we can find our issues and fix them within the three remaining months before the World Cup. There’ll be something to review, as we’ll play seriously. I’d like to play hard and make this championship a big step before the World Cup.

Schedule

*Local Time