Japan Women's National Team, who are holding a training camp on Ishigaki Island in preparation for the final Asian qualifying for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, played practice matches on Friday 22 January. After a warm-up, the players had three 20-minute games. As the coach SASAKI noted: "we tried out every possibility", as he changed the players’ positioning during games.

The forward ANDO Kozue, who scored a goal, mentioned, looking back the practice games: "there is still room to improve in many aspects. As we often focus too much on what we’re practicing, I’d like to play more balanced with variations." After the practice session at the hotel, the players discussed with those in the same position on the field how or who to move in a given certain situation. 

Before the supper, DAINI Kuniya, the President of the Japan Football Association came to the hotel to encourage the players. Although he could not attend the practice session due to a schedule change, he said: "women’s football is spreading to Asia as well as to the world, and raising its level. There is no doubt that they’ll face tough games, but I really want them to book a place. I believe the strength of Nadeshiko is in sharing the same direction and mindset among the players to attack and defend. I hope they will prepare themselves well enough, increasing quality and accuracy."

President DAINI paid a visit to Soccer Park Akanma in the afternoon to check the condition of the turf and the indoor practice area with the mayor NAKAMURA Yoshitaka and HIGA Nobuhiro from the Yaeyama Football Association.

U-23 Japan National Team have reached the quarterfinals in the AFC U-23 Championship, which has given the Japan Women's National squad a boost. They will hold a training session on Saturday 23 January. 

Players' Comment

FW  SUGASAWA Yuika (JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies)
As it’s the beginning of the season, my body is still struggling a little. Having said that, as my performance here will affect the selection of the players for the Olympics qualifiers, I’d like to showcase my abilities as much as possible. During today’s practice match, I was still slow to react or to switch. I also couldn’t finish my shots. As a forward, I’d like to learn from this, and improve my problems to stay ambitious for goals. It’s difficult for us to practice altogether as a team. So I’d like to adjust in detail during the rest of the training camp.

Schedule

*The schedule is subject to change due to the team condition, the weather, etc.

Women's Olympic Football Tournament Rio 2016 - Asian Qualifiers Final Round

29 February 2016 - 9 March 2016
Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women's National Team)/Australia/Korea Republic/China P.R./Vietnam/DPR Korea
Round robin tournament 15 Match（Top two team will earn Olympic berth）

Mon. 29 February  vs  Australia Women's National Team
Wed. 2 March  vs  Korea Republic Women's National Team
Fri. 4 March  vs  China P.R. Women's National Team
Mon. 7 March  vs  Vietnam Women's National Team
Wed. 9 March  vs  DPR Korea Women's National Team
All competitions are held in Osaka/Kincho Stadium -19:35 kick-off (tbd)
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