On Wednesday 22 August, one day after their match against Vietnam, the Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women's National Team) conducted a training session after splitting the team in two groups.

Players who started the match the day before with the exception of goalkeeper YAMASHITA Ayaka, conducted a recovery session at the gym inside of the athletes’ village, while the remaining seven players plus Yamashita trained on the pitch. Taking in consideration of the fact most players has been logging many minutes counting from their USA tour, the team conducted a light session ahead of their quarterfinal match.

Within the athletes’ village, where the players are staying at, a bulletin board listed names of the Japanese athletes who has received a medal at Palembang. To start off the list, athletes who has received their medals at the rifle shooting events had their names listed. The Nadeshiko Japan will strive to list their names after receiving a gold medal.

On this day, the team all observed the evening match between Korea DPR and China PR, since their next opponent will be determined with the result of this match. It was China PR who won the match, as they scored one goal apiece in each half, securing the top spot in Group B, and as a result, it was determined that Japan will face Korea DPR in the quarterfinals, as they finished as the runners-up in Group B.

In Indonesia, with majority of their population being Muslim, with the start of the Islamic holiday “Eid al-Adha,” the city was quieter than usual. As a result, the staffs who stayed outside of the athletes’ village had a tough time catching a taxi to return to their hotels. However, the local volunteer staffs offered a ride back to their hotel, and the staffs were seen telling the local staffs “Terima Kasih!!” (Thankyou in Indonesian) before hopping on to the vehicle. This was a symbolic event that showcased the great hospitality provided by the volunteer staffs who has been dedicating their time and efforts while always keeping a smile.

The quarterfinal match of the Asian Games will kick-off at 18:00 Japan time on Saturday 25 August.

Players’ Comments

DF #2 SHIMIZU Risa (Nippon TV Beleza)
After playing two matches, we have managed to score goals in good shape, while keeping a clean sheet, which gives us great confidence ahead of the quarterfinal match. In terms of physicality, Korea DPR is one of the strongest teams in Asia. They will come out aggressively to win every ball, but we must not be passive against them, because if we can win the ball and keep possession of it, the chances should come our way.

DF #6 ARIYOSHI Saori (Nippon TV Beleza)
It is determined that we will face Korea DPR in the quarterfinals. As long as we are looking to win the title, we will have to face this team sooner or later, so we will prepare ourselves well ahead of this match to earn a victory. The approach of Korea DPR is simple, but their quality is very high, and they will fight hard for every ball. We must think defence first and make sure we are decisive on our first approach to contain their offence. In offence, we must utilise our quick decision makings and techniques to enter the open space where our opponents don’t want us to exploit. While doing so, we need to make the necessary adjustments by communicating with each other, so that we can showcase our individual colour.

Schedule

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

The 18th Asian Games 2018 Jakarta Palembang

Tournament Dates:Sat. 18 August - Sun. 2 September 2018

【Women's】Quarterfinals
Sat. 25 August 18:00 [Japan time] vs Korea DPR

Tournament Information