With one day to go before the third group stage game of the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Papua New Guinea 2016 against U-20 Canada on Sunday 20 November, the U-20 Japan Women's National Team did some exercises without the ball in the morning, and appeared at a press conference after an official practice session on the pitch in the afternoon on Saturday 19 November.

The team held an official session, which was closed apart from the first 15 minutes, to go through the team’s tactics and to check the condition of the pitch. The coach TAKAKURA Asako and a player SUMIDA Rin met with the press after the session. The coach TAKAKURA Asako expressed her aim prior to the game against Canada: ‘we’d like to perform our best to show off our strengths – passing and coordination. I hope each player will display their leadership in their performance, and stay mentally strong.’

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

Players' Comments

MF ＃6  SUMIDA Rin (NIPPON TV BELEZA)
The Japanese playing style is to continuously pass the ball, and involve many players. Since I couldn’t stay competitive enough near the ball or to receive a loose ball in the game against Spain, I’d like to react to the ball more quickly than the opponent, so that I can pass the ball swiftly and smoothly.

MF ＃20  HAYASHI Honoka (CEREZO OSAKA SAKAI LADIES)
In terms of defence, I’d like to aim to check on space and other players to position and to stay competitive in a one-on-one near the ball. As for attack, I’d like to improve the quality of last passes, so that I can create goal-scoring opportunities. I focus on attacking with a few touches on the ball in games. I’d like to look for goals, thinking of keeping a clean sheet while showing off our coordinated attacks.

GK ＃12  MATSUMOTO Mamiko (Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies)
I have been frustrated in the past two games. I’d like to contribute to earn three points by playing aggressively whenever I have an opportunity.

MF ＃15  MIYAGAWA Asato (NIPPON TV BELEZA)
I do really hope we will win tomorrow’s game by playing as a united team. Whichever position I’ll play, I’d like to showcase my strength, defence, and play flexibly.

Schedule

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