Under the blazing sun, which has lasted for a few days, Nadeshiko Japan had their fifth day of the training camp on Friday 22 May. The players held a practice session in the morning.

The 27 players - 23 of whom are registered for the FIFA Women's World Cup Canada 2015, and the other four are back-up players - joined the training session that day. The out-field players practiced short, middle-length and long-distance passes, while the goalkeepers focused on reacting to corner kicks and shots from near the goal, as well as passing swiftly after checking their teammates’ positions.

In the practice game after the passing training, SASAKI Norio, the head coach, instructed the players to ‘find the space near and far from you while you play’, and the players responded by using short- and long-distance passes to approach the goal.

The players showed off aggressive attacks in the practice game as well as solid defence by using their body to prevent goals. The players were in high spirits, which was an indication of their motivation for the friendly against the New Zealand women's national football team in the ‘MS&AD NADESHIKO CUP 2015’ in two days.

Players' Comments

DF #3   IWASHIMIZU Azusa (Nippon TV Beleza)
I was told to play strongly near the ball by SASAKI Norio, the head coach. I think I could try very hard as I was told to. I always communicate with my teammates on the pitch about limiting the length of passes and who should press the opponent depending where the ball is. I’d like to think about how to switch to the attack when we defend.

We’ve been trying numerous patterns, thinking of various possible situations in the game. Cooperating very well among our four defenders is vital. I’d like to continue to improve that, so that we can play in the same way whoever comes on the pitch.

DF #19   ARIYOSHI Saori (Nippon TV Beleza)
I joined the team as a back-up player four years ago and only stayed during the domestic training camp. I still remember that all I could do was just play as hard as I possible in each practice session. After my experience of being a back-up player, I gradually become more involved in the national team. I believe that what I am now has been built through those little steps. I think I have a different mentality now. Whenever I’m on the pitch, I will run and use my body as much as possible for the team, showing off my strength in one-on-one situations or contributing to attacks.

FW #15   SUGASAWA Yuika (JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies)
Although I focus on taking shots in a practice game everyday, it’s difficult sometimes to finish them. So I practice hard building-up attacks and waiting in the front line. If I have more options to handle off-the-ball movement, including my play after kicking the ball away, I believe we can have more goal-scoring opportunities. I’d like to review today’s practice session on video, so that we can improve even more.

In whatever circumstances or whenever I’m on the pitch, all I have to do as a forward is score goals. I’d like to get myself ready fully in order to contribute to my team’s goals.

JFA-TV (Japanese version only)

MS&AD NADESHIKO CUP 2015

Nadeshiko Japan(Japan Women's National Team) vs. New Zealand Women's National Team
Sun. 24 May 19:10 Kick Off (Estimated Time)
Kagawa / Kagawa Pref. Marugame Stadium
Ticket Information (Japanese version only)

KIRIN CHALLENGE CUP 2015

Nadeshiko Japan(Japan Women's National Team) vs. Italy Women’s National Football Team
Thu. 28 May 19:20 Kick Off (Estimated Time)
Nagano / MINAMI NAGANO SPORTSPARK
Ticket Information (Japanese version only)

FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015

Information