U-16 Japan Women's National Team had the second day of their camp in preparation for the upcoming AFC U-16 Women’s Championship and played a training match (30min.×4) against Kanagawa University (women's team).

Japan created a chance early on just after the kick-off. After receiving the ball on the right flank, forward TAKAHASHI Hana beat the opposing goalkeeper on a 1-on-1 situation and composedly sent it into the net to give her side the opening goal.

In the 13th minute, she took a shot again after robbing the ball from a defender, but her shot was denied by the goalkeeper. Japan continued to attack afterwards yet failed to add more goals before finishing the first period 1-0.

In the 45th minute right after entering the second period, forward MIYAZAWA Hinata received the ball in front of the opponent’s goal and passed it to Takahashi, whose shooting effort did not pay off as a goal. In the 64th minute, after midfielder ISERI Natsuki intercepted a pass, a cut-back from forward KOJIMA Seira through MIURA Haruka was cleared by an opponent.

Japan ended the second period with no goals and reshuffled most of the players on the pitch for the third period. In the 79th minute, Miura stole the ball from an opponent and fed it to forward ENDO Jun in the box. Endo's shot found the back of the net for the second goal. Although Japan conceded a goal in the 80th minute, they added two more goals in the 83rd and 90th minutes to end the third period 4-1.

In the 105 minutes into the fourth period, Miura tapped in a clearance from a corner kick for her team's fifth goal before ending the training match with a 5-1 win.

Players' Comments

FW #7  MIYAZAWA Hinata (Seisa Kokusai High School Shonan)
The camp for the U-16 Japan Women's National Team finally started off. Until the last camp, they were for the shortlisted squad, but this time it is an activity as a true Japanese international. I came here with a stronger determination. We will show that in the AFC Championship and definitely win the World Cup ticket before coming back to Japan. To do that, I will always try my best on the pitch and make the best possible preparation for the AFC Championship.

DF #16  KANEHIRA Risa (Hinomoto Gakuen Senior High School)
The camp for the U-16 Japan Women's National Team finally began. From this one, it will be held for the Japan National Team, not for candidate players. So I'm tensed more than before. During the five-day domestic camp, we will get into gear to get a win. We will definitely win the finals and make a World Cup berth. We will make a good preparation and come out for the battles with responsibility and pride.

DF #15  KANEKATSU Rio (Urawa Reds Ladies Youth)
This camp is held just ahead of the championship. So we worked on strong passes required when playing against overseas players and went through set pieces. A small mistake can lead to an opposing goal, so we want to be aware of details. In China, I will hold myself accountable for each one of my play and try not to leave any regret in the end. Even if there are hard times, we will overcome them with teamwork and all get together to win the championship.

MF #17 KANNO Oto (Nippon TV Menina)
I had a firm determination for today's training. We worked on strong passes and cross balls that we can use in the Asian stage. In the AFC Championship, a small mistake and a bit of gap when sending a pass decide a win or loss result. In the domestic camp, we will focus on details more than before. The environment in China would be something we are not used to yet. But we will try to come out in as good condition as possible. We will unite as a team to win the Asian championship at any cost.

Schedule

Note: The schedule is subject to change due to the team condition, the weather, etc.

AFC U-16 Women’s Championship China 2015 

Japan is in Group B. Group A includes Chaina PR, Thailand, Iran, Korea Republic.
Top two teams will qualify for FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Jordan 2016.