After the 4-1 victory against Norway Women’s National Team on Sunday 11 November, the Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women’s National Team) played a training match against the U-18 Gainare Tottori on Monday 12 to wrap up their 2018 campaign.

While the players who played in the match against Norway on Sunday spent the following day to recover their bodies, as they were seen going through recovery regimen such as stretching and walking, the training match was for the rest of the squad who did not play or had limited playing time on the pitch.

Goalkeeper IKEDA Sakiko led the defence line formed by MINAMI Moeka and a player from the U-18 Gainare Tottori in the middle, ARIYOSHI Saori on the left and SAKAGUCHI Moeno on the right. The midfield featured MIYAZAWA Hinata, SUGITA Hina, NAOMOTO Hikaru and KAWASUMI Nahomi from left to right. MASUYA Rika and TANAKA Mina took the two striker roles.

The 30-minute half match saw Nadeshiko Japan take the initiative at first, but Gainare slowly gained their momentum as they found their rhythm in defence. While both sides attempted to take control of the match through their quick ball movements, it was the Tottori side who had the upper hand, as they took advantage of their agility and pass speed. Facing the Gainare offence that utilised long balls in their attacks, Nadeshiko Japan was forced to be in the defensive end for a long stint. Gainare created a goal scoring opportunity in the 16th minute, but Ariyoshi made a diving effort to block the shot. However, the opening goal came from the following play, when Gainare took advantage of their height to convert the corner kick. Nadeshiko Japan will go onto concede another goal before the half to enter halftime with a score of 0-2.

Nadeshiko Japan brought in goalkeeper HIRAO Chika for the second half. Then in the 40th minute, NAGANO Fuka, SUGASAWA Yuika, MOMIKI Yuka and ENDO Jun were also sent onto the pitch to change the course of the match. With the Women’s National side making the adjustments during halftime, they kept a good distance within each player and created more opportunities to attack the opposing goal. However, the training match saw no further goals, as the match ended with a final score of 0-2.

This day marked the end of the 2018 campaign for Nadeshiko Japan. Coach TAKAKURA Asako reflected on the match against Norway and shared her aspiration towards the players, “A win over an elite team gave us great confidence. But at this point, we are not good enough to win the world title, and I think you all know that more than anybody. Let’s keep up the hard work to improve ourselves, stay confident but humble at the same time, heighten ourselves to a new level and come back together next year.” With the promise to reunite with a better self in 2019, the players departed the team.

The players will now join back their own clubs to compete at the Empress’s Cup JFA 40th Japan Women’s Football Championship.

Players' Comments

DF #26 MINAMI Moeka (Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies)
Facing a men’s team in this training match, we knew our opponents will have the advantage in speed and height. I wanted to see if I can compete at such level. Reflecting back on my first call-up to the Nadeshiko Japan, I feel like I was able to gradually showcase my own style as time progressed. I was able to learn from my teammates and found on the tasks I must work on. It was a very productive experience for me. My strengths lie on my height, so I will continue to improve and polish my strong point. On the other hand, my lack of agility was evident, so I must work on that aspect so that I don’t get beaten by the opponents with a simple turn.

FW #29 ENDO Jun (JFA Academy Fukushima)
The training match has taught us what we lack as a team and as an individual. I have been working hard to get called up to this camp, so I was very happy to be here. However, I must not sit on my laurels and keep working hard so that I can be the key player on my team. The FIFA Women's World Cup is coming up next year. My goal is to be selected into the final squad, so I will give my very best to achieve that goal.

Schedule

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

International Friendly Match

Sun. 11 November 2018 14:00 Kick-off
Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women's National Team) vs Norway Women's National Team
Bird Stadium, Tottori

Tournament Information