In efforts to reclaim the world title at the FIFA Women's World Cup France 2019, which is scheduled to kick-off on Friday 7 June, the Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women’s National Team) continued to workout in their training camp that has been taking place in Chiba from Wednesday 22 May.

On the second day of the training camp, the team conducted a light conditioning session in the morning. Under clear skies, the players were seen relaxed as they exchanged laughter with their teammates. Prior to the session, Coach TAKAKURA Asako gave a pep talk to get the players focused, “Our main focus today is to get your conditions up. It’s good that you’re relaxed, but don’t get too relaxed, and make sure to work on your fitness.”

After the players went through their warmup routines, the team conducted a “Yo-Yo Test” to check their fitness level. In this test, the players repeated shuttle-runs to measure their endurance. The team then went over drills using the ball, as they worked on passing, ball control, and ball possession, before playing a small size scrimmage.

The Nadeshiko Japan will train in Japan until Sunday 26.

Players' Comments

GK #21 HIRAO Chika (Albirex Niigata Ladies)
Upon joining the team, I came with the intention to act positively to lead the team towards the right direction. The three goalkeepers all have different strong points, so I hope to showcase my ability to respond to crosses and one-on-ones to prove that I belong here. When the team won the title in 2011, I was watching the match in Shizuoka. It was incredible to see how much a football match can encourage the viewers, as I was one of the people who was inspired by that match. I remember dreaming of becoming a player that can encourage children watching my performance. I will give my utmost efforts to help the team win.

MF #17 MIURA Narumi (Nippon TV Beleza)
I am getting more and more excited as days go by. In our recent tour to Europe, we conceded many goals from crosses and set plays. Rather than focusing on winning the ball by making physical contact, I would like to focus on my positioning and the way I apply pressure. Our coach has been telling us to emphasis on heightening our conditions. She told me that being energetic is a good thing, but I must also stay focused on my tasks. With this being my first World Cup, I will probably get nervous, but I will do my best to showcase my best performance and strive to win the title as a team.

FW #9 SUGASAWA Yuika (Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies)
We have been able to build a positive atmosphere since getting together as a team. For now, we must focus on preparing our body and soul ahead of the World Cup. We have 18 more days before our first match, so we are telling each other to make the most of the remaining time to get ourselves ready. We have some players with injuries, but we must all give our efforts to heighten the team form. Our main goal is to win the title, but we must focus on winning one match at a time and keep improving as a team.

Schedule

Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women’s National Team) Squad, Schedule

FIFA Women's World Cup France 2019

Tournament Dates: Fri. 7 June - Sun. 7 July 2019

Group Stage:
Tue. 11 June 2019 01:00 (Japan time)
vs Argentina Women's National Team

Fri. 14 June 2019 22:00 (Japan time)
vs Scotland Women's National Team

Thu. 20 June 2019 04:00 (Japan time)
vs England Women's National Team

Tournament Information