With two days to go before the third-place playoff of the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Papua New Guinea 2016, the U-20 Japan Women's National Team held an official practice session at the stadium after training nearby for 30 minutes on Thursday 1 December. The session was closed apart from the first 15 minutes, and the players went through team tactics.

The opponents of the third-place playoff, the U-20 USA Women’s National Team, appeared at a press conference. Coach TAKAKURA Asako and captain NORIMATSU Ruka were also present at presser. Coach Takakura expressed her expectation for the game against the USA, against whom Nadeshiko (Japan Women's National Teaｍ) have played 33 times in the past: ‘the USA is a special team for us, towards whom we have always been aiming. Ideally, we wanted to meet them in the final, but we’ll do our best in the third-place playoff.’

The U-20 Japan Women's National Team will play the third-place match against U-20 USA at 16:00 (15:00 Japan Time) on Saturday 3 December.

Players' Comments

DF ＃5 NORIMATSU Ruka (Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies)
Since I started dreaming about becoming one of the Nadeshiko Japan members, I always wanted to play against the USA in the World Cup. It’ll be our last game as part of this team. So I’m determined to win the match.

DF ＃4 ICHISE Nana (VEGALTA SENDAI LADIES)
I learned in the game against France that I needed to improve myself in one-on-one situations. I managed to stay competitive against quick opponents, but France had the technique, as well as the speed. I needed to react to quick turn movements and other skills. I’d like to raise the level of my performance in one-an-ones. Although my team have been aiming to become the strongest in the world for the past two years, we couldn’t achieve it. However, we still have a game to play in order to win a medal. I’d like to earn that medal, so that we can go home with smiles on our faces.

Schedule

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