On Wednesday, 1 November, the Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women's National Team) played their third match of the Women's Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024 Asian Qualifiers Round 2 at Lokomotiv Stadium in Tashkent, where they defeated the Vietnam Women's National Team 2-0. With this victory, the Nadeshiko Japan have clinched their spot into the final round of the Women's Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024 Asian Qualifiers.

Following their 2-0 win over Uzbekistan, Japan made three changes to their starting line-up, with TANAKA Momoko (Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Beleza) starting in goal behind a backline of ENDO Jun (Angel City FC), MINAMI Moeka (AS Roma), TAKAHASHI Hana (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Urawa Reds Ladies) and SHIMIZU Risa (West Ham United). KUMAGAI Saki (AS Roma) anchored the midfield for the third match in a row, while HASEGAWA Yui (Manchester City) and NAGANO Fuka (Liverpool FC) started as the two central midfielders. MIYAZAWA Hinata (Manchester United) and CHIBA Remina (JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies) were deployed on the flanks, while TANAKA Mina (INAC Kobe Leonessa) played as a lone striker in the centre.

In an attempt to break down Vietnam's tenacious man-to-man defence, Japan moved the ball around fluidly, with players switching positions, but struggled to create chances in the attacking third due to the difficult pitch conditions.

Japan's first shot came in the 17th minute when Chiba was played in by Minami in the box. Chiba also headed a cross from Nagano in the ensuing play, while Tanaka Mina's 25th minute effort was well saved by the goalkeeper.

The long-awaited moment came in the 40th minute when Hasegawa and Chiba combined to penetrate the centre before Miyazawa sent a through ball to the far post, where Shimizu made no mistake to convert the opportunity.

With a one-goal lead, Head Coach IKEDA Futoshi introduced MORIYA Miyabi (INAC Kobe Leonessa) and MIYAKE Shiori (INAC Kobe Leonessa) to start the second half, as Shimizu was shifted into the centre half role while Endo was pushed to the wing.

In the 53rd minute, Hasegawa's cross following a corner kick led to a goalmouth scramble that Moriya capitalised on to double Japan's lead.

NAKASHIMA Yoshino (Sanfrecce Hiroshima Regina) came off the bench in the 67th minute to replace Kumagai before HAYASHI Honoka (West Ham United) and SUGITA Hina (Portland Thorns FC) were introduced in the 79th minute to add fresh legs in the wings. Despite the late surge made by Vietnam, Japan showed great composure to lock up their third consecutive shutout victory.

The second round of the Women's Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024 Asian Qualifiers concluded with Australia, DPR Korea, Japan, and Uzbekistan qualifying for the final round. Japan are now scheduled to face DPR Korea in February of next year.

Coach and Players' Comments

IKEDA Futoshi, Head Coach of Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women's National Team)
We are delighted to have secured three points to top our group and reach the final round. Although we struggled to find our rhythm playing in this pitch conditions, we managed to demonstrate what we had been working on while taking on new challenges and scoring the opening goal from a space we had created. Not only have we gained invaluable match experience, but these three games have allowed us to try out different combinations. We will continue to strengthen the team through a tour abroad scheduled to take place at the end of November as we prepare for the final qualifiers in February of next year.

DF #2 SHIMIZU Risa (West Ham United/England)
When I scored the goal, my run was actually to receive a pass from (Chiba) Remina, but (Miyazawa) Hinata found me after receiving the ball, so I was happy to be in that position. Although I am used to playing against bigger opposition in England, these three matches have reminded me of how difficult it is to play in Asia, both in terms of the style of play and the pitch conditions. The fact that I was given the opportunity to play at centre-half should help to broaden my options in the future.

MF #4 KUMAGAI Saki (AS Roma/Italy)
It would have been better if we stayed more compact and made more attempts to penetrate the flanks in the first half, but we managed to make the adjustments in the second half. Personally, I made a conscious effort to win the second ball and make quick transition, while I also anticipated to score from set-pieces. Including the pitch conditions, this match really reminded us of what it’s like to compete in Asia. Each and every player must strive to get better once we return to our respective clubs and prepare ourselves in the best way possible ahead of the final round in February.

MF #10 NAGANO Fuka (Liverpool FC/England)
With our opponents playing man-to-man, I made a conscious effort to create space for my team-mates, but I didn't get involved enough to make the difference, which is something I need to improve on. The fact that we have managed to keep three clean sheets in a competitive group with our new 4-3-3 formation gives us great confidence going forward. Recently, I have made it my personal theme to "never lose a one-on-one situation" and I have been able to win the ball in more and more key situations for my club, so I will continue to work on that.

Women's Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024 Asian Qualifiers Round 2

Tournament Dates: Thu. 26 October - Wed. 1 November 2023
Tournament information