On Thursday 5 March, the morning after Nadeshiko Japan lost to Denmark in the Algarve Cup, the team held a meeting, followed by a training session. The players, who had played the longest in yesterday’s match, did some stretches and light jogging to recover. The others had a practice mini-game on a half-length pitch to get in condition. As there were fewer players on the pitch, each player had to run more and longer. The players had approximately an hour practice session under the strong leadership of Sasaki, the head coach.

Nadeshiko Japan will play their second match against Portugal after a one-day break. Although Portugal lost their first match in this championship against France 1-0, the team showed their tenacious defence. They won two consecutive friendlies against Switzerland in February and the team kept improving. Japan have never played against them. Sasaki, the head coach, commented: ‘imagine we were in the World Cup. We can’t get through to the knockout stage, if we don’t gain three points now. We’d like to play under good pressure. I’m looking forward to the match, as the players are highly-motivated during the training session.’

The match will be on Friday 6 March and kickoff at 12:10 (21:10 JST).

Players' Comments

MF  13   UTSUGI Rumi (Montpellier Herault Sport Club)
I watched the game between France and Portugal, and found Portugal tended to stay towards the goal, heavily focusing on defence. Japan need to create goal-scoring opportunities against a solid defence. We also need to react swiftly to the counter-attacks after being intercepted. During the Algarve Cup, we’d like to see our current level as well as find the issues to be fixed as a team. Although we have to battle it out for a position, I’d like to develop the quality of Nadeshiko Japan through friendly competition.

FW  15   TAKASE Megumi (INAC Kobe)
By playing better at the beginning of the match, I’d like to stay calm especially during the initial scramble. I focus on keeping the possession and I’d like to use the space at the sides to initiate attacks toward the centre. As we’ve got energy to change the atmosphere or do something new, we’d like to move the game aggressively.

FW  22   YOKOYAMA Kumi (AC Nagano Parceilo Ladies)
My strength is dribbling and shots from the turns. Although Portugal tended to stay near the goal, there must be some space available. So I’d like to aim at that space. Playing for the national team is not for everyone. If I have an opportunity to be on the pitch, I will play with pride and responsibility. I don’t want to be satisfied with just being here, because now is the time to play. I’d like to initiate attacks aggressively, aiming to strike a goal.

Schedule

*Local Time