Nadeshiko Japan, participating in AFC Women’s Asian Cup Vietnam 2014, on 20 May restarted training for gearing up for the semifinal game after taking a day off. The counterpart of semifinal match is China Women’s National Team, draw against Korea on the last game of qualifier and finished second place in Group B with a goal difference.
As Ogimi was limited to play three games of group stage, the training was conducted with 24 players from this day. Ogimi went back to England as she reluctantly bid farewell to the team members. “The key is how much progress I can make until upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015. I am going to make better scoring chances taking up what I felt in this competition.” said Ogimi.

All the team members had a good training and worked out after a long while, worked on intrasquad game and game style menu for an hour or so.
At press conference, held before the training, was attended by SASAKI Norio, head coach. The head coach of China Women’s National Team attended the same press conference told “China had taken the championships of this tournament many times before but this is the thing of the past. Japan is very strong team. Making an analysis of the games of Japan so far and come up with the most suitable strategy, we will prepare and do the best we can for 90 minutes.” Both teams are quietly building up the fighting spirit for semifinal match.

Comments

SASAKI Norio, Head Coach
I came here to win the championship. I know this is going to be tough semifinal match but we will secure the win and move forward to the final. We played against China at The Algarve Cup and EAFF East Asian Cup last year.  It seems to me the Chinese players have since a better skill and play much systematically. Not just using tricks, it is important to express what we’ve been doing on the pitch. I will think about the starting members thoroughly for two days and set for full and solid preparation.

KAWASUMI Nahomi（Seattle Reign FC/America）
Having watched the match between China vs Korea in the stadium, it looks like China doesn’t put many players for attack, rather dividing the player’s role for the attack and the defense. I am sure they will change their strategy for qualifier and knock-out stage, have to watch out ‘because I felt every single player has knack, height and speed. I am going to extract my skill – playing in the area where the defense player hate, I would be racing in attacking area and get the pass for seeking a goal. I came to Vietnam to win the championship. I am determined and knowing have to win every game for moving forward, ready to play with my full strength.

NAKAJIMA Emi（INAC Kobe Leonessa）
We are aiming for winning the title and have to win the game against China and make every effort to proceed to the final. I wish to take care of the players of both sides and FW as they have ferocity.  I am going to take an initiative of offense and intentionally seek goal opportunity while contributing to both offence and defense.

Schedule

※All match time is local time.