Nadeshiko Japan made some final adjustments on Sunday 8 March, in practice games ahead of the match against the France women's national football team at the final section of the group league in the FPF Algarve Cup 2015.

Japan have not played against France since the semi-final at the London 2012 Olympics. Back then, both Ogimi and Sakaguchi struck goals to decide the game, bringing victory to Japan. However, since then France have showed signs of great improvement, and now rank third in the latest FIFA World Ranking after Germany and America. Sasaki, the head coach, who has been looking forward to the match against France since he was given the schedule of games, commented: ‘France have got the physical strength and tactics, as well as the individual skills. Only by showing all our ability, will we know how much our playing style will work against this kind of opponent. Also we’ll learn what we can and can’t do. So we’d like to show everything we’ve got.’

In order to top Group C, Nadeshiko Japan have to win with more than a two-goal lead, aside from playing a good game. The key match before the coming FIFA Women's World Cup will kick-off at 14:10 (23:10 Japan Time) on Monday 9 March.

Players' Comments

FW 17   OGIMI Yuki(VFL Wolfsburg)
After watching the video of France’s match, I have a good idea of how to play against them. I think we have got ourselves ready. If we defend in a way the opponent doesn’t like, we can take the initiative. So I’ll play bearing that in mind. I’ll also stay ambitious for goals. As we created some goal-scoring opportunities in the game against Denmark, I’ll focus on finishing with shots.

DF 4   KUMAGAI Saki (Olympique Lyonnais)
We’ve been adjusting the distance between the players and the reaction of the defensive line, which didn’t work well in our first match against Denmark. We tried to support and cover each other, in order to get an advantage in our game. France have the individual strength with excellent skills and each player can get through the defence on her own. So it’s essential not to be beaten one-on-one. As they are swift moving back and forward, and have power when they face forward. We need to bear this in mind, and try not to let them play freely. If we move first, making the opponent follow us, we’ll have our chances. I look forward to playing against those players, who are usually my teammates, in the national team. I’d like to show all our ability, as it’s a great opportunity for us to play against such an excellent opponent in this environment at this timing.

MF 11   OHNO Shinobu (INAC Kobe)
France are strong. As they are a great opponent, I’d like to do my best to challenge them. There are some players, who showed good performances in our second match against Portugal. I’m sure it’s good to have that feeling that this match is critical, battling it out for a position, as an individual player or as a team. Having said that, I’m not intending to lose or give away my position at all.I’ll play tactically without being seen by the opponent, and focus on scoring. Whoever finishes with a shot in the end, I’d like to be the trigger of our attacks.

Schedule

*Local Time