With one day before the second group stage game of the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Papua New Guinea 2016 against U-20 Spain, the U-20 Japan Women's National Team held a practice session, which was closed apart from the first 15 minutes to go through tactics on Tuesday 15 November.

Many squad members from the 2014 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Costa Rica, where they faced Japan in the final of the tournament, play for the current U-20 World Cup as well. In their first group stage match, they defeated U-20 Canada 5-0. There are also nine Japanese players who also competed in the U-17 world competition three years ago and they noted (regarding the U-20 Spanish Team): ‘some of the players are same from the U-17 competition. We are prepared to meet a stronger Spanish team.’

In the evening, the team watched the final Asian qualifiers of the SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team) against Saudi Arabia on television. Playing for the same country, they were encouraged by the fighting attitude of the SAMURAI BLUE.

The second group stage match of the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Papua New Guinea 2016 against U-20 Spain will kick off at 16:00 (15:00 Japan Time) on Wednesday 16 November.

Players' Comments

MF ＃7 SUGITA Hina (INAC KOBE LEONESSA)
As we made mistakes in passing when we struggled to find our rhythm in the second half of the game against Nigeria, I believe we needed to improve our quality. Spain play in a similar way to Japan – stringing passes. In order to show some differences in styles, we need to capitalise on our individual skills.

DF ＃13 HAZA Hisui (NITTAIDAI FIELDS YOKOHAMA)
I’d like to win tomorrow’s match by showcasing as much as possible what we have been working on. In terms of defence, our aim is to keep a clean sheet. I’m grateful that I can play for this team and I have a chance to be on the pitch. I’ll enjoy playing, thinking of people who support us to win the Cup.

DF ＃16 MORIYA Miyabi (INAC KOBE LEONESSA)
I’d like to display my strength, speed, as much as possible against foreign players in tomorrow’s game. Despite a different atmosphere from stadiums in Japan, I’d like to enjoy it without feeling too nervous.

Schedule

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