JFA Elite Programme U-14 Japan Women's Selection training camp - JOC Japan Korea Joint Sports Project for Enhancing Playing Skills
2016-10-18 (Tue.) - 15:45 Playing Time: 70min. (35min.×2)
J-Green Sakai S6 Pitch (Osaka)

U-14 Japan Women's Selection　1-2（1-1, 0-1）U-14 Korea Republic

Scores
19'　SEO Hyeonmin（UU-14 Korea Republic）
34'　MORI Fumika（U-14 Japan Women's Selection）
56'　JANG Youbeen（U-14 Korea Republic）

Line-ups
GK：TAKESHITA Kanasa
DF：KAWAGISHI Emika, SHIMADA Hana, KAWAI Nonoko, NOGUCHI Akari
MF：MOMONO Miyuka, YAMAMOTO Yuzuki, TABATA Haruna, NAKATSURU Ayana
FW：MORI Fumika, SHIMADA Mei

Substitutions
HT　TAKESHITA Kanasa → ISHIDA Kokona
HT　YAMAMOTO Yuzuki → FUCHIGAMI Nonoka
HT　MORI Fumika → TAKARA Kotone
52'　SHIMADA Mei → ABE Ayane
65'　NAKATSURU Ayana → TAKAHARA Yui

Match Report

With two days remaining in the Elite Programme, Japan played the second match against Korea Republic on Tuesday 18 October, after a cultural exchange the day before. In the morning, the team did some stretches to prepare for the afternoon’s game. 

The second match kicked off on the artificial-turf pitch in hot weather.

Korea Republic started to apply pressure up front from the beginning of the game, controlling the match aggressively. Although Japan tried to get through under pressure, they could not go near the goal at all before the drinks’ break. Then the team conceded a goal just after the break. Japan passed the ball around near the backline from a left throw-in, but a pass from the goalkeeper TAKESHITA Kanasa (INAC KOBE LEONESSA U-15) was intercepted by the opponent, who took a shot to strike the opener. 

Japan, however, attacked back. Just before halftime, NOGUCHI Akari (JEF UNITED ICHIHARA CHIBA LADIES U-15) dribbled up through the left side to send a cross, which went over the head of Korean goalkeeper. MORI Fumika (INAC KOBE LEONESSA U-15/JFA Academy Sakai), who ran towards the side unmarked, scored the equaliser on the volley.

Korea Republic kept pressing in the second half. In the 56th minute, Noguchi ran to clear a floating pass from the centre, but the ball went passed her to be received by the Korean forward. The opponent got the ball and struck another goal, again building a one-goal lead. Although Japan attacked more aggressively, looking for another goal, they struggled against a physical Korean defence and could not find the back of the net before the final whistle. The record this time ended with one win and one loss.

Coach's and Players' Comments

YODOKAWA Tomoharu, Coach (JFA National Training Centre Coach)
During a meeting prior to the match, we reviewed the first game against Korea Republic and the practice game against high school students the following day in order to improve our achievements while analysing and fixing our problems. We also shared a vision: ‘what is football?’ and the principle of football ahead of the game.

The players’ movements seemed to be a little heavy from the beginning of the match, struggling to react well to Korea’s changes of playing systems or tactics. I’d like to point out that the players kept trying to find out why they couldn’t take the initiative or what to do in order to improve the quality of their performance. Although they conceded a goal first from a mistake, which was caused by poor combinations, the team played together in a better way to level the game just before halftime. 

Having said that, the players had to focus on defence in the second half, and didn’t have many opportunities to initiate attacks. Unfortunately, Japan let the opponent score a deciding goal as a result of several mistakes. They had to suffer a defeat in the last game in this generation. I felt a strong sense of regret from the players, who had been making an effort as much as possible for this game. I hope they will learn from this defeat to improve their lives.

KAWAGISHI Emika (Cerezo Osaka Sakai Girls)
This training camp is the fifth time I’ve joined the Elite Programme. I went on the Korean trip last November, followed by the AFC U-14 Girls' Regional Championship in China PR in May. So it was my fifth time to play against Korean Republic on 18 October. When I first met Korea Republic last year, I couldn’t steal the ball from the players, who dribbled up more speedily than me. I also struggled to react to long-distance balls, and let the opponent have space behind me. This time, I worked on intercepting on one-on-ones and preparing well against the opponent’s long-balls. I also tried to show off my techniques while moving around, so that I could display the Japanese playing style.

During the game, although I did succeed in stealing the ball several times against the opponent, who swiftly dribbled up, I couldn’t go near enough towards them and occasionally let them get through when we were running alongside. Whenever I play against Korea Republic, I think I have improved myself. As I can find what is lacking in me, cultural exchange with Korea Republic is a precious time for me. I’m grateful to have this kind of opportunity. I’d like to stay modest, and keep making an effort, so that I can play in the U-17 World Cup.

KAWAI Nonoko (Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies Junior Youth)
Since there was still room to improve, such as how to observe the ball, in the first game against Korea Republic, I focused on those problems in the second match. I tried to control the defensive line better, watching out for long-distance balls. However, we lost the match, conceding two goals. I’d like to remember this frustrating feeling and learn from this defeat. 

I took part in three activities out of six of the Elite Programme. I found it difficult to communicate with others until this time, as I felt very nervous. However, since this is the last training camp, I was determined to communicate more proactively to make the most of it. I learned to improve the quality of each play, as well as communicating better. I’d like to bring what I learned here back to my team, so that I can continue in usual training sessions with high spirit.

FUCHIGAMI Nonoka (JEF UNITED ICHIHARA CHIBA LADIES U-15)
In the match on 18 October, I worked on checking my teammates and the opponent when I was off the ball, and also on being keen to initiate attacks, both of which were my tasks from the game on 15 October. Although I did focus on my tasks, a little misalignment in passing let the receiver lose the ball easily. So I sincerely hope that I’ll improve the quality and learn techniques, which can be used internationally. I’ll practice hard in everyday sessions in order to become an international player. 

I attended the latter three activities in the Elite Programme with six sessions. Compared to my first training camp, I learned a lot more during this camp on and off the pitch. As I stand at the start line of a race now, I’d like to achieve my aim with high spirit and motivation.  

Schedule

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