As Kagawa Prefecture enjoyed fine weather on Tuesday 19 May, Nadeshiko Japan worked on two-a-day practice in the morning and the afternoon on the second day of their training camp.

In the morning, the squad worked up a sweat with an 8v8 scrimmage with goalkeepers and repeated shooting drills from cross balls. In the afternoon, they worked out together with a local men’s high school club for about two hours. They eagerly went through a 5v4, 6v4 and 6v5 with limiting the pitch space, and then offensive and defensive ends separately worked on shooting drills and reviewing defensive line combination.

In the end, the women’s national team had their first game-style practice in this camp. With an eye to the MS&AD Nadeshiko Cup 2015 against New Zealand Women’s National Team, the squad experienced speed of men’s high school students.

Head Coach Sasaki Norio halted plays at key times and discussed the moves with players, and the players also exchanged ideas on each other to improve detailed combinations. 

Players' Comments

FW #11  OHNO Shinobu (INAC Kobe)
It’s the head coach who decides who plays the match. All we need to do is improve our condition. But no matter what position you play at, it’s important to take actions in offence and defence, so I keep that in mind during practice. For example, I try to communicate with young players like Iwabuchi Mana and Sugasawa Yuika by talking to them. If such players can increase their presence, it will be an advantage for the team. All players have got to stimulate each other so that the team will grow.

FW #17  OGIMI Yuki (VfL Wolfsburg/ Germany)
There are some more details to get done in offence and defence as a team, but I think it will be coming through over time. I don’t want to waste the time in the training this time, and I will share what I try to do and what my teammates try to do. After the Algarve Cup, we have worked on moves to take a shot before the opposing defence gets ready to cope with our attack. I also try to make use of a teammate being unmarked at times. I will always move forward changing my past mindset.

MF ♯13  UTSUGI Rumi (Montpellier Herault Sport/ France)
I have a bit of blank period after the season ended in France, but I will try to close a gap to the team in everyday practice. A match is sometimes decided by a single chance. So I also want to surely grab a chance in practice. Nadeshiko Japan have many good players and no matter who plays on the pitch, we can play at the same level. I think our depth is betting better.

DF #4  KUMAGAI Saki (Olympique Lyonnais/ France)
Compared to the stretches just before the FIFA Women’s World Cup four years ago, I recognise the differences in the way I’m feeling. Four years ago, I was like I didn’t know anything and desperate to hang on. After that, I transferred to an overseas club and have witnessed foreign players who can score in any position. In the meanwhile, I realised the Japanese strength is that we can feed delicate passes considering their teammates’ trait. I’m certain the team will get better and we will improve those strengths in this camp.

JFA-TV(Japanese version only)

MS&AD NADESHIKO CUP 2015

Nadeshiko Japan(Japan Women's National Team) vs. New Zealand Women's National Team
Sun. 24 May 19:10 Kick Off (Estimated Time)
Kagawa / Kagawa Pref. Marugame Stadium
Ticket Information (Japanese version only)

KIRIN CHALLENGE CUP 2015

Nadeshiko Japan(Japan Women's National Team) vs. Italy Women’s National Football Team
Thu. 28 May 19:20 Kick Off (Estimated Time)
Nagano / MINAMI NAGANO SPORTSPARK
Ticket Information (Japanese version only)

FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015

Information