Nadeshiko Japan, who aim to book a place at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, held a training session in Osaka on Tuesday 1 March after the defeat against Australia in their first match.

The team will meet Korea Republic on Wednesday 2 March after a one-day break. The players went through tactics altogether, and some players, who were on the pitch for a long time the day before, finished the session earlier to recover. 

The midfielder MIYAMA Aya on behalf of the team said: “we think as though if we lose, we go home. We just want to stay positive and play as a united team.” The forward OGIMI Yuki commented: “we cannot lose everything because of the result against Australia”, while the midfielder KAWASUMI Nahomi remarked: “we are not champions in the qualifiers. So we’ll book a place at Rio as challengers.” The players refreshed their minds prior to the coming game.

Korea Republic Women's National Team held an open practice session from 16:00 at the Kincho Stadium. Japan’s record against Korea Republic is 14 wins, 4 losses and 8 draws. Although Korea Republic have not played in the Olympics, they were in the top 16 in the FIFA Women's World Cup last year. 

Korea Republic drew with DPR Korea 1-1 in their first game of the Asian Qualifiers Final Round. Kawasumi commented about JI So Yun, who used to play for INAC KOBE LEONESSA: “she is something special in terms of skills and presence. We have to be careful.”

The second match of the Asian Qualifiers Final Round between Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women's National Team) and the Korea Republic Women's National Team will kick-off at 19:35 on Wednesday 2 March at the Kincho Stadium. Australia will meet Vietnam, while DPR Korea will play against China PR both at the Yanmar Stadium Nagai.

Players' Comments

FW ＃15  TAKASE Megumi (INAC KOBE LEONESSA)
Although I felt frustrated with the result of yesterday’s game, I refreshed my mind before attending a training session in preparation for our second match against Korea Republic. As a team and as forwards, we completely understand that we must score goals to win games. Matches against Korea Republic are always tough, and I expect the coming one will be even tougher, as it’s to book a place at the Olympics. We’ll do our best in these difficult circumstances.

MF #7  KAWAMURA Yuri (VEGALTA SENDAI LADIES)
When I came off the bench in the first game, I was determined to take shots as much as possible while playing it safe. I think we need to improve our main strength – keeping possession. Also we have to display our ability of playing well near the ball or intercepting. We cannot lose to Korea Republic. Although there are tough games one after another, we’ll play together as a united team to book a place at the Olympics.

Nadeshiko Channel (Japanese version only)

Schedule

*The schedule and venues are subject to change.

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