As gearing up for FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015, Nadeshiko Japan worked on the training and played undisclosed practice match against Italy Women’s National Team on Friday 29 May, with whom played KIRIN CHALLENGE CUP 2015 on the previous day.

Having won two straight send-off games against New Zealand on 24 May and Italy on 28 May, Nadeshiko Japan checked the points to revise for the offence and defence as they play two sets of 35 minute practice matches today.

Head coach SASAKI Norio, realizing the squad are exhausted for training day after day, reviewed the match saying “Sometimes the squad ended up in playing in tune with the other side who are also exhausted.” He was trying to change the outstanding point of shooting too few in the Italy match and change that but ”It is hard to kick that habit and not easy to overcome it,” he said. He checked the issues needed to improve by pointing out the how the squad bring the ball when attacking and interactions among players.

After finishing the Nagano camp, Nadeshiko Japan moved to Chiba for another camp destination. Head coach Sasaki dropped by “Nadeshiko Japan Special Showcase - One Heart, One Team” and took a close look at its 30-year history and hand-written message by the players. The special showcase will be on display until Sunday 31 May.

Players’ Comments

DF #5   SAMESHIMA Aya (INAC Kobe)
We had a training focusing on the defence, and I have a really serious feel about it. I realize we need to improve the defence as there were quite a few risky occasions in international friendlies against New Zealand and Italy and intra-squad game as well.

No matter which position I play left side back or left side half, I know my role in the squad is to show my offensive strength. Head coach Sasaki gave us instruction of “start attacking” in the match with Italy on 28th. As the time of the game was when other side was getting exhausted and I didn’t have any hesitation at all “start attacking” is one of my strong points. Of course there were differences in where to get the ball and when to start attacking, but I think I am fitting well to either position. I want to aggressively start attacking regardless of position I take.

DF #19   ARIYOSHI Saori (Nippon TV Beleza)
About focused theme of the defence, I guess we were successful in judging when to make block and putting the pressure on the other side’s zone for getting the ball in the yesterday’s game and the practice match today as we communicating each other. But I think I need to call out loud and give instruction flexibly from the backline as I watch the other side’s system.
About the offence, it is important to do a risk management when making a side attack, the key is to check which player remaining in the defence when the ball is in the other side of the pitch. I want to take right position for launching a quick attack after side change. Once I make a first move in good timing, I am sure I can get the ball in higher position and well-position to give the support. I want to play as naturally as I can.

GK #21   YAMANE Erina (JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies)
If I have a chance to play in the World Cup, I want to get myself ready in the rest of the camp to show the best performance in the game. As there was no tall player like me in Japan Women’s football before, I understand I have to look for the play style fits me well. I would be glad if a tall girl becomes interested in goalkeeper and that is something I may be able to do as they watch me playing. I am going to play and show good example for some girls’ goalkeepers of over 170cm.

KIRIN CHALLENGE CUP 2015

Nadeshiko Japan(Japan Women's National Team)  vs. Italy Women’s National Team
Thu. 28 May    Kickoff 19:20 
Nagano / MINAMI NAGANO SPORTSPARK

FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015

More information