SASAKI Norio, the coach of Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women's National Team), who are looking to book a place at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, appeared at a press conference on 28 February prior to the curtain-up of the Asian Qualifiers Final Round. He expressed his aims before their first game against Australia: “we’d like to win to build up positive momentum.”

Six countries, including Japan, will play league matches in this championship, and the top two teams will book a place at the Olympics. Japan will meet Australia on 29 February, Korea Republic on 2 March, and China PR on 4 March. Then the team will play against Vietnam, who got through the qualifying round, on 7 March, and against DPR Korea on 9 March.

Both Australia and China PR reached the quarterfinals in the FIFA Women's World Cup last summer, in which Japan finished second, while Korea Republic were in the top 16. Australia aims to take part in their third Olympics since 2004, while China PR are trying to book a place for the fifth time overall and the first since 2008. Both Korea Republic and Vietnam will play for an Olympic berth for the first time. Although DPR Korea were suspended from the World Cup last summer due to a doping scandal during the 2011 World Cup, the team are aiming to book a place in the three consecutive Olympics.

Australia, whom Japan are playing in their first game, arrived in Japan on 22 February for preparations. Though Australia have five young players with less experience, other players played through the World Cup last year.

Japan’s record against Australia is 10 wins, 5 losses and 7 draws. Japan beat Australia 1-0 with the forward IWABUCHI Mana’s goal in the quarterfinal of the World Cup last year. Although Japan has won two games and drawn one in past two years, the team only won by a nose.

Sasaki, the coach of Nadeshiko Japan, was cautious about the opponent’s height and power, commenting: “we used to be able to build some leads, but we have won only by a nose recently. We are prepared for tough games. So I hope we will start well.”

Midfielder MIYAMA Aya (OKAYAMA YUNOGO BELLE), the captain, noted enthusiastically: “I believe we are invincible when playing combinations as a team. We’ll find our opportunities there.”

The defender KUMAGAI Saki (Olympique Lyonnais/France) commented: “the first match is vital. So I’d like to do the basics perfectly, such as using my body in front of goal and playing strongly near the ball.”

Nadeshiko Japan held an hour-and-a-half practice session in the morning, in which the players relaxed. Then they had a closed session to go through tactics for the last time before the match against Australia.

SUZUKI Daichi, the Japan Sports Agency chief, visited the team in order to encourage them. He communicated with the players on the pitch prior to the practice session, and then observed an open session. Suzuki expressed his expectations: I cannot imagine Rio without Nadeshiko Japan. This team has fundamental power, which they earned through claiming the World Cup. I believe that they will perform better if the matches are tougher.”

Nadeshiko Japan’s each match will kick off at 19:35 at Kincho Stadium in Nagai, Osaka.

Coach and Players' Comments

SASAKI Norio, Coach
We have prepared well to book a place at the Olympics. The players are in excellent condition, and any of them can be on the pitch. I expect tough games one after another. Among them, the first game is most vital to build up positive momentum. We’d like to win tomorrow’s match for sure to catch the wave. Australia use young players in each championship, and have good skilful players. Their height and strength are so much. Having said that, we don’t mind, as we worked on our strength and we are focused. I hope we will start well.

MF #8  MIYAMA Aya (OKAYAMA YUNOGO BELLE)
We went through our tactics against Australia today. Before the kick-off, I cannot imagine what may happen during the match. Having said that, I focus on winning whichever way, depending on the opponent’s movements. As we spent a good long time as a team, I believe we’re ready for the coming matches. I’ll earn a place at the Olympics by doing what we have to do.

FW #10  OGIMI Yuki (1. FFC Frankfurt/Germany)
We’ve done what we can before the final qualifying round. As there will be things that need to be adjusted during games, we need to communicate with each other even more. We have played against Australia many times in the Asian Cup and in the World Cup, and I know what kind of team they are. I really look forward to playing against them.

Alen STAJCIC, Coach (Australia Women's National Team)
Although all the matches are important, our first game is against Japan, who are ranked the highest in Asia and one of the most successful teams in the world. The right mentality is vital if the players are to stay focused and play their best. I look forward to tomorrow. On the back of the performances in the World Cup, we’re confident we’ll go through to the Olympics.

Bruno BINI, Coach (China PR Women's National Team)
Despite the FIFA World Rankings, I believe every team has an opportunity. We’ll try hard to become one of the top two teams to earn a place.

Duc Chung MAI, Coach (Vietnam Women's National Team)
We got through the second qualifying round. As all the teams in the final qualifiers are strong, we must perform our best in each game.

KIM Kwang Min, Coach (DPR Korea Women's National Team)
The teams in this championship are the strongest in Asia. So I expect every match will be vital and tough. We’ll do our best to book a place at the Olympics.

YOON Duk Yeo, Coach (Korea Republic Women's National Team)
Despite the fact all the teams are strong, I believe we have a good chance to earn an Olympic berth. With confidence, which we built up through our preparation, we’ll face our first game.

Nadeshiko Channel (Japanese version only)

Schedule

*The schedule and venues are subject to change.

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