After 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 the following day on Thursday 17 November. The team were divided into two groups, one with the players who started the match against Spain, focusing on recovery, and the other with the rest of the players. The group for recovery stayed at the hotel to do some exercises, while the other went on the ground in order to do passing and controlling, practicing possession in a five-on-five with two servers, and playing a four-a-side with goalkeepers. The coach TAKAKURA Asako told the players, emphasising the importance of improving individual tasks: ‘our defeat means that there is still room to improve.’

In the afternoon, the players went to the stadium to watch a match in group D between Germany and Mexico. They had a productive time, watching and experiencing an international standard match in another group.

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

Players' Comments

DF ＃3  KITAGAWA Hikaru (Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies)
I know we have to refresh ourselves for each game. Since we achieved so much in the game against Nigeria, I felt we struggled against Spain much more than I expected. We should have prepared better. If I had scored through set pieces, I could have impacted the game. It is my task to play my role. I’d like to refresh myself for the coming match, as I’m determined to score whenever I have an opportunity.

DF ＃13  HAZA Hisui (NITTAIDAI FIELDS YOKOHAMA)
Despite our defeat yesterday, all I need is to refresh myself. I believe there is a good atmosphere around the team; we are enjoying ourselves while being serious when necessary. I couldn’t stop the opponent’s number 10, which was my issue to work on. I believe I need to play more tactically and perform in the way the opponent dislikes, not letting the opponent touch the ball. I’d like to become more competitive near the ball, building up positive momentum for my team.

DF ＃16  MORIYA Miyabi (INAC KOBE LEONESSA)
We learned what to improve as a team in the game against Spain. Although I do feel frustrated, having not had an opportunity to be on the pitch yet, all I can is to prepare myself for the next game. By experiencing an international championship for the first time, I thought I haven’t got many skills to stay competitive. Having said that, I’d like to show off what I can.

Schedule

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