The U-20 Japan Women's National Team, who beat Nigeria 6-0 in their first game of the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Papua New Guinea 2016, held a practice session on Monday 14 November. The players were divided into two groups – one with players who started the match, and the other with those on the bench. The former group focused on recovering at the hotel, while the latter started with a warm-up and worked on passing and controlling exercises and 5-on-3 possession drills, followed by a five-a-side game on the pitch in a one-and-a-half hour session. Coach TAKAKURA Asako looked back on the match the day before and also expressed her determination for the U-20 Spain contest on Wednesday 16 November: ‘we had a good game against Nigeria. The players moved well, passing the ball around. Our task is to increase the quality of shots. Since it’s just a beginning, we’d like to raise the level of the whole team.’

The second group stage match of the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Papua New Guinea 2016 against U-20 Spain will kick off at 16:00 (15:00 Japan Time) on Wednesday 16 November.

Players' Comments

FW ＃9 NISHIDA Meika (CEREZO OSAKA SAKAI LADIES)
Although I’ve played against many of the U-20 Spain players (in the final of the 2014 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup), I expect differences in speed and physicality between U-17 and U-20. So I’d like to showcase my strengths in order to aim to win the championship as a team. I felt frustrated not to be on the pitch in our first game. As I understand that I am expected to have an impact on the game, I’d like to display my individual skills – speed, movements to the sides, and reaction to loose balls — and contribute to our goals as much as possible.

MF ＃19 SHIOKOSHI Yuzuho (Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies)
I’m so excited about my first international championship. When my name was called in yesterday’s game, I really wanted to get used to the situation immediately rather than feeling nervous. Thanks to my teammates’ support, I believe I managed to display my strengths as much as possible. In the game against Spain, I’d like to play more aggressively than the one against Nigeria. We’d like to achieve the first title for Japan in the U-20 category.

Schedule

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