U-16 Japan Women’s National Team worked out on Wednesday 11 November for the semi-final fixture against Thailand in the AFC U-16 Women’s Championship China 2015.

The morning was spared for a team meeting for the match at their hotel, while they went out for training in the afternoon.

After warming themselves up by running and stretching, they formed groups of five and worked on their ball possessions in the "2-on-2 with one neutral player" drill. Their focus was on utilising open space effectively with their teammate and they were instructed to do it as they kept moving the ball.

In the end, they played an intra-squad scrimmage to wrap up the 90-minute workout to get ready for the match against Thailand on the next day.

Top two teams in this tournament will be given a spot in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup to be held in Jordan next year.

The semi-final with a ticket to the world cup at stake will kick off at 3 p.m. (4 p.m. Japan Time) on Thursday 12 November.

Players' Comments

KOGURE Chiaki (Maebashi Ikuei High School)
This semi-final against Thailand is very important for us to go to the World Cup next year. We stay confident because we have worked hard so far. We believe in ourselves and everyone who supported us, and we play unitedly. First and foremost, I will do 100% of what I can do to help my team win.

MORINAKA Hina (Cerezo Osaka Sakai Ladies)
In the match against Thailand, we will make sure to play together, win it, and get the spot in the World Cup next year no matter what. It’s a must-win match to advance to the final. Personally I will try to create more side attacks and defend physically in front of goal to hold the opponents scoreless. I will do my best to contribute to my team both offensively and defensively.

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.