On Saturday 13 July, Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women's National Team) played in the MS&AD Cup 2024: Noto Peninsula Earthquake Reconstruction Support Match “Ganbarou Noto” held at Kanazawa Go Go Curry Stadium, where they defeated the Ghana Women's National Team 4-0.

As this was the last match to be played in Japan before Nadeshiko Japan's departure for the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad (Paris 2024), a send-off ceremony was held before the match for YAMASHITA Yoshimi, TESHIROGI Naomi and BOZONO Makoto, who will serve as referees at the Olympics. The crowd applauded warmly as Yamashita expressed her ambitions, saying she would give her all at the Olympics.

After the players entered the pitch, KUMAGAI Saki (AS Roma) was presented with a bouquet of flowers by her parents to celebrate her 150th cap with the national team, and a moment of silence was observed to express condolences for the victims of the Noto Peninsula Earthquake.

Wearing the new kit unveiled in June, Japan started in a 4-3-3 formation with YAMASHITA Ayaka (INAC Kobe Leonessa) in goal and a back line comprising KITAGAWA Hikaru (INAC Kobe Leonessa), MINAMI Moeka (AS Roma), TAKAHASHI Hana (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Urawa Reds Ladies) and SHIMIZU Risa (West Ham United). Kumagai, HASEGAWA Yui (Manchester City) and NAGANO Fuka (Liverpool FC) were in midfield, while MIYAZAWA Hinata (Manchester United), TANAKA Mina (Utah Royals) and FUJINO Aoba (Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Beleza) were named up front.

Japan seized the initiative from the outset and threatened to break the deadlock when Tanaka's 12th-minute shot hit the crossbar. The home side increased their advantage when Ghana's Portia BOAKYE was shown a straight red card for a foul on Fujino in the 23rd minute. Another close call came just before the end of the first half when Takahashi's shot following a corner kick was cleared off the line.

With momentum on their side, Japan brought on HAMANO Maika (Chelsea) and switched to a 3-4-3 formation to start the second half, and the change paid immediate dividends as Hamano assisted Tanaka's goal to give Japan the lead in the 51st minute.

The opening goal opened the floodgates for Japan, with Hamano capitalising on a corner kick in the 65th minute and Fujino converting a direct free kick just two minutes later.

The match, which drew a crowd of 9648, was capped off by a 80th minute goal scored by UEKI Riko (West Ham United), assisted by Fujino.

In the first ever national team match held in Ishikawa Prefecture, Nadeshiko Japan won 4-0 to give them a boost heading into the Olympics.

Nadeshiko Japan will now enter a training camp in France before travelling to Nantes for their first group-stage match against Spain on Sunday 25 July at 17:00 (Monday 26 July at 00:00 Japan time).

Coach and Players' Comments

IKEDA Futoshi, Head Coach of Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women's National Team)
We are grateful for the opportunity to play against the Ghana Women's National Team in Ishikawa Prefecture, and we are happy to celebrate a solid victory with the encouragement of over 9000 supporters. There were a few things that happened in the first half, including an opponent being sent off, which gave us a numerical advantage, but we were able to react and make the necessary adjustments at half-time, which allowed us to score in the second half. The fact that the goals came from set pieces was also encouraging. From the way we prepared to the way the first goal was reviewed by the VAR, this match was a good simulation of the games that will be played at the Olympics.

DF #4 KUMAGAI Saki (AS Roma/Italy)
We went into the game with a four-back formation because we were up against three midfielders, and we wanted to nullify their strengths by containing their attacking midfielder. We also applied aggressive pressure from our front line to prevent them from playing long balls and to allow our back line to press up. The idea was to change our approach, both offensively and defensively, based on our opponents' system. In that sense, we made the necessary adjustments in the second half to create chances from the flanks with our three-back formation. There are things that need to be corrected, but I think we have taken on a positive challenge, and I hope we can improve our condition for the Olympics.

FW #9 UEKI Riko (West Ham United/England)
Although we didn't score, we created some good chances and were aggressive defensively in the first half. Including the way we managed to score several goals in the second half, it was a good tune-up for the Olympics. Our opponents had the tendency of chasing our action, so I entered the game with the intention of initiating the action and converting crosses. When I scored the goal, Aoba knew exactly where I wanted the ball. As a striker, scoring goals is the best way to build confidence, so I feel like I can head over to Paris in good shape.

FW #11 TANAKA Mina (Utah Royals/USA)
We didn't look very comfortable playing 4-3-3 in the first half, but there were plenty of chances, so I feel I need to do a better job of converting them. The fact that we were able to make the adjustments, create chances from the flanks and score is a good thing. I was able to control the ball well and take a good shot, so I was relieved when the goal was awarded by the VAR. As long as I am on the pitch, I am always looking for goals, so I am happy that I am getting results, and I am looking forward to continuing.

FW #17 HAMANO Maika (Chelsea/England)
First of all, I am relieved that we won. From the moment I stepped on the pitch I was determined to contribute to the team's goal, so I am happy to have scored and assisted. With the numerical advantage, we knew we could dominate as long as we played our usual brand of football, so we were confident going into the second half. We were able to keep the ball and create a lot of movement towards the goal, so it was a good simulation for the Olympics.

Fixture: Nadeshiko Japan vs Ghana Women's National Team
Date: Sat. 13 July 2024, 15:20
Venue: Kanazawa Go Go Curry Stadium (Ishikawa)
Tournament information

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