AFC U-16 Women’s Championship  Group League 3rd Match vs U-16 DPR Korea Women’s National Team
2015-11-9 (Mon.) - 15:00   Playing Time: 90min. (45min.×2)
Xinhua Road Stadium (Wuhan, China)

U-16 Japan Women’s National Team   1-1 (0-1, 1-0)   U-16 DPR Korea Women’s National Team

Scores
2'   Goal against (U-16 DPR Korea Women’s National Team)
63'   TAKAHASHI Hana (U-16 Japan Women’s National Team)

Line-ups
GK: TANAKA Momoko
DF: USHIJIMA Riko, TAKARADA Saori, TAKAHIRA Miyu, ONO Nana
MF: KOJIMA Seira, NAGANO Fuka, KANNO Oto, KARAHASHI Mayu
FW: TAKAHASHI Hana, UEKI Riko

Substitutes
GK: KOGURE Chiaki, YONEZAWA Moeka
DF: KANEKATSU Rio, WAKISAKA Reina, KANEHIRA Risa, ICHINOSE Chisato
MF: MORINAKA Hina, YONEI Honoka, ISERI Natsuki
FW: MIYAZAWA Hinata, ENDO Jun, MIURA Haruka

HT   KARAHASHI Mayu → MIYAZAWA Hinata
78'   KOJIMA Seira → MIURA Haruka
90+4'   UEKI Riko → ENDO Jun

Match Report

AFC U-16 Women’s Championship China 2015 had the third match of Group B and the U-16 Japan Women's National Team, who had been top of the group, faced U-16 DPR Korea Women’s National Team to get through this group stage as the top team. DPR Korea kicked off the match under fresh clear blue sky.

In the 2nd minute of the beginning of the game, Japan allowed their opponent’s the opening goal due to their own mistake. In the 25th minute, midfielder NAGANO Fuka stole the ball and passed it to forward TAKAHASHI Hana. She carried it forward with a dribble and made a shot but it was blocked well by the opponent’s goalkeeper. Gradually, Japan became to hold the ball longer but they could not finish their shots. The first half ended with DPR Korea leading 1-0. 

In the second half, forward MIYAZAWA Hinata was substituted on to left wing for midfielder KARAHASHI Mayu and she became an offence hub to pressure DPR Korea's goal. In the 63rd minute, Miyazawa raised a cross to forward UEKI Riko who dropped the ball to the ground. Takahashi got the ball and made a shot. The ball successfully found the net and Japan finally equalised with DPR Korea.

Even though Japan wanted to move on to the next stage with 3 consecutive wins in the group stage, they could not break through the DPR Korea's consistent defense regardless of their constant attack. The match ended 1-1. 

Japan is ahead of DPR Korea on goal difference and got through the Group B as the leading team. Japan will play against U-16 Thailand Women's National Team in the semi final match at 3pm (4pm Japan time) on 12 November.

Coach and Players' Comments

KUSUNOSE Naoki, Coach
At the beginning of the match, we conceded the opening goal while we were trying to get into the game. Their advantage was their speed in coming forward with their power and speed so we faced them with our speed in pressing defense and passing-work, but we ended up allowing them to make long balls and that made us lower our defensive line. We could not keep good distance hence we could not make a good rhythm of offense. 

Even in this situation, our defenders maintained their consistency and the offense players made chances to score and finally we could get the equalising goal. To compete in the world including in Asia, we have to improve every quality in skill, fitness and mentality even in the difficult matches like the one we had today.

KOJIMA Seira (Urawa Reds Ladies Youth)
DPR Korea players were better than us in their physical strengths and passion, they made the most of their speed and height in their play. Right after the kick-off, they took control of the match and we allowed them the first goal. 

Gradually we began to move the ball around and we could get one goal back in the second half. We could get through the group stage as the top team, but we really wanted to win this match today. As a team and as an individual player, I can find a lot of issues, so I want to improve them to level up for the coming 2 matches. We definitely want to win the championship. 

UEKI Riko (Nippon TV Menina)
We drew the match, but we could have lost it if we review our play. It was good that we could equalise the match. It is the big issue for us that we allowed them the first opener right after the kick-off. It was because we couldn’t start the match well. Because of the consistent defense, we didn’t allow any more goals and got the chance for us to score. For the semi final, we want to be an even more hard-working team. We will get ready well to beat Thai and get the ticket to the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. 

Schedule

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

AFC U-16 Women’s Championship China 2015 

Japan is in Group B. Group A includes Chaina PR, Thailand, Iran, Korea Republic.
Top two teams will qualify for FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Jordan 2016.