Nadeshiko Japan, who are preparing for the Asian Qualifiers Final Round, Rio de Janeiro Olympics 2016, held training sessions in Osaka in preparation for their first game in three days’ time.

The players attended a meeting on the practice ground before coming out onto the pitch, and held a session that was closed apart from the first part. They went through set pieces and build-ups in detail during mini games against possible opposition tactics. 

The midfielder SAKAGUCHI Mizuho noted about the Australia Women's National Team, whom Japan will meet in their first game: “the opponent has both speed and physical strength. We need to make quick judgments against them.” Australia came to Japan a week before the match and are certainly getting ready.

The defender SAMESHIMA Aya commented: “when we played against them in the semi-final of the World Cup last year, I could see them become tired with the heat. However, I expect the team will be different in this kind of weather. All of us are aware of that and feeling cautious.”

Before the start of the final qualifiers, the team will only hold an official training session at the stadium and a session the day before the first game. They are preparing thoroughly on and off the pitch.

Players' Comments

DF #5  SAMESHIMA Aya (INAC KOBE LEONESSA)
All of us are getting into good condition. As there is still room to improve the mental aspect of our game, I’d like to raise the quality level. We will watch videos of our plays so we can discuss many things and improve our weaker areas within a limited time. As we have an excellent kicker, we’d like to use that to our advantage in set pieces, which we went through during today’s training session. Although we’re under pressure to book a place at the Olympics, what we need to do hasn’t changed. I hope we can improve our team strength even more. 

DF #4  KUMAGAI Saki (Olympique Lyonnais/France)
I think the first game is most vital, as it leads us to the next level. So I’m getting ready, just thinking of the first match. Australia have got both speed and strength among Asian teams. We’d like to play carefully to keep a clean sheet, and manage risks to defend solidly. We have just three days before the match. I’ll try hard to prepare even better. 

Nadeshiko Channel (Japanese version only)

Schedule

*The schedule and venues are subject to change.

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