On Friday 9 November, the Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women's National Team) entered the fourth day of their training camp in Tottori ahead of their international friendly match against Norway Women's National Team scheduled on Sunday 11 November.

Ahead of the training session, the team conducted a meeting to go over their point of attacks as they viewed the tapes of the matches played by the Nadeshiko Japan, SAMURAI BLUE (Japan National Team), J. League, and leagues abroad to visualise the plays they are striving for. Coach ASAKURA emphasised, “We need to face forward, even when we are under pressure. That will allow us to initiate our offence.” She continued by asking her players to utilise their high-level techniques and their combinations, as she concluded the meeting by telling, “Let’s showcase a style of football only Japan can perform at the World Cup next year.”

On this day, the team held just one training session as they welcomed the men’s football club from the Tottori Johoku High School in the afternoon. The members of the women’s goalkeeper camp who recently started their activities in Tottori also observed the session, as the young members took a close look at their idols.

During the drills involving crosses delivered towards the goal, the players were seen throwing out their bodies to defend against the men’s team. It gave them an opportunity to work at a high level ahead of the match against Norway and next year’s World Cup. The players showcased their willingness to face forward during the 8 vs 8 scrimmage session, as they all challenged the ball with great aggression in both offence and defence.

The international friendly match vs Norway Women's National Team will kick off at 14:00 on Sunday 11 November at Bird Stadium, Tottori.

Players’ Comments

GK #21 HIRAO Chika (Albirex Niigata Ladies)
During this time of last year, I wasn’t selected into the national team due to injury, and I still remember the bitterness of it. I have been able to constantly work with the Nedeshiko Japan this year and train with the two top goalkeepers of this country. This experience has given me the opportunity to learn what I lack and watching how they play in the matches teaches me what it takes to play at the world level. We don’t know who will be playing at the Norway match, but if I am given the opportunity to play on the pitch, I will give my very best to defend the goal. Even if I am not playing, it will give me a great learning experience.

FW #16 MOMIKI Yuka (Nippon TV Beleza)
After the team has restarted with new players, we have been seeking how to function as a team. We will work hard ahead of the upcoming match against Norway on Sunday, and next year’s World Cup. I personally will like to make my role in this team clear as we step up our intensity higher ahead of our goals. We will utilise each of the matches and activities to improve ourselves ahead of the World Cup held in France next year.

Schedule

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

International Friendly Match

Sun. 11 November 2018 14:00 Kick-off
Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women's National Team) vs Norway Women's National Team
Bird Stadium, Tottori

Tournament Information