With two days before the third group stage match of the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Papua New Guinea 2016 against U-20 Canada, the U-20 Japan Women's National Team held a practice session at 16:00, the same time as the kick-off, on Friday 18 November.

The temperature was 26 degrees, which was comparatively cool for the players, since they have managed to acclimatise to high temperatures and humidity 10 days after their arrival in Papua New Guinea. The players started with training ball technique, passing and controlling, and practicing possession in a four-on-three, followed by going through attacking and defending in front of the goal in a five-on-four with a goalkeeper. They finished the two-hour session with an eleven-a-side game.

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

GK ＃1  HIRAO Chika (Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies)
I see a gap between the rest of world and us in terms of physicality. Since we couldn’t impact the match after struggling against Spain, I’d like to fix our problems on the pitch to build up momentum. In order to display Japanese football – using effective passing, I’d like to cooperate well with the defenders, so that I can build up attacks from the backline.

DF ＃4  ICHISE Nana (VEGALTA SENDAI LADIES)
We couldn’t play our style in the game against Spain. So I’m determined to get through the opponent by using passes despite their physical strength in the next match against Canada. I’d like to strike as many goals as possible, keeping possession, which is one of our team’s strengths.

MF ＃14  MIURA Narumi (NIPPON TV BELEZA)
There is a positive atmosphere around the team – preparing for the next game. Since we couldn’t do what we were supposed to do against Spain, I’d like to pass the ball carefully in the match against Canada, while staying competitive in a one-on-one defence. Personally, whenever I receive the ball, I’d like to face forward to look for goals.

Schedule

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