The Tournament of Nations has opened on Thursday 26 July and the Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women's National Team) took on the host and the current world's number one nation, USA.

18,467 spectators joined the match at Children’s Mercy Park as they cheered on the American squad, setting up an away game atmosphere for Japan.

Coach TAKAKURA Asako entered the match with a surprising line-up as the captain of the match, SAMESHIMA Aya was placed in the central half position along with MIYAKE Shiori, while SAKAGUCHI Moeno, who normally plays in a defensive midfield position, played as the left full back. ARIYOSHI Saori and MIURA Narumi were positioned as the defensive midfielders. It was a formation they have just worked on during the training session held the day before, but the player showed no hesitation to apply pressure against the attacking players of the USA team.

The host team showed great intensity from the start of the match, as they utilised their speed to initiate attacks. Although Japan did manage to evade the early attacks, in the 18th minute, USA’s Alex Morgan timed herself perfectly to the cross delivered by Megan Rapinoe to score the opening goal.

Despite giving up the opening goal, Japan came back to level the match just two minutes later with TANAKA Mina’s equaliser. The goal came when the team connected the passes from their defensive midfielders, allowing HASEGAWA Yui to deliver the final pass to Tanaka, who dribbled past a defender to strike a left footed shot which was deflected by the opposing side, but carried enough momentum to find the back of the net.

However, the USA side regained their lead in the 26th minute, when Morgan struck a header into the goal. With the host side gaining more momentum, Japan struggled to find ways to attack, entering half time with a score of 1-2.

Japan sought for their opportunities to rally back, but instead conceded consecutive goals to the USA in the 56th and 66th minute. Second half substitutes, KAWASUMI Nahomi, YOKOYAMA Kumi, MASUYA Rika, and SUGASAWA Yuika combined well to create chances, but came short from scoring the goal.

In the 76th minute, Sakaguchi pierced a shot into the upper corner after receiving a pass from Masuya. Japan showed signs to rally back into the match but failed to score further goals as the match ended with a final score of 2-4. The match showcased the overwhelming strengths of the world’s number one team.

Coach and Players’ Comments

TAKAKURA Asako, Coach of Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women's National Team)
We gave up too many goals and the way we conceded those goals were too light. I am satisfied with the performance shown by some of the players including those who has been newly called up to the team. The substitutes also did a good job of controlling the ball to help manage the game. Our opponents are the number one team of the world. We must take the positives out of this match and work hard to recoup ourselves ahead of the next match.

MF #15 SAKAGUCHI Moeno (Albirex Niigata Ladies)
This was a new experience for me. Our opponents’ speed was overwhelming, and it was hard to respond to them. I was anticipating for my chance to make a move towards the centre and strike a shot, so when I found the space in the middle, I just went for it and struck the ball. The third goal we conceded was just hands down world class. It made me realise that we must work much harder to get to that level.

MF #24 MIURA Narumi (Nippon TV Beleza)
The speed showcased by our opponents exceeded my expectation. We managed to control the ball for some extent, but the result speaks for itself. We still have long ways to go. In the first half I was able to move the ball around quickly and displayed my strengths but made some easy mistakes as well. At this level of competition, if you make one mistake, that can be costly, so I must improve to eliminate those errors.

FW #11 TANAKA Mina (Nippon TV Beleza)
We entered the match with mutual concept to start with defence, but we still conceded many goals. We failed to create much opportunities upfront and couldn’t build our rhythm. (Reflecting on the goal scene) I managed to keep my cool to make the cut. The opponent came closing down quickly, but I’m glad I was able to score the goal despite the shot being deflected by the opponent.

Schedule

*Local Time, Japan time indicated within the parentheses
*The schedule is subject to change due to the team condition, the weather, etc.

2018 Tournament of Nations

Tournament Dates: Thu. 26 July - Thu. 2 August 2018
Live broadcasting scheduled on NHK BS1
Information on live broadcast(Japanese website)
Tournament Information