On Wednesday, 26 July, the Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women's National Team) played their second group match of the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™ at Dunedin, New Zealand, where they defeated the Costa Rica Women's National Team 2-0.

Following their 5-0 victory over Zambia Women's National Team, Japan made four changes to their lineup. Defensive midfielder HAYASHI Honoka (West Ham United) got her first start in five matches, while MIYAKE Shiori (INAC Kobe Leonessa) took the right centre back position. SUGITA Hina (Portland Thorns FC) was positioned in the left flank and NAOMOTO Hikaru (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Urawa Reds Ladies) was named as one of the three attackers upfront.

The match started with Japan creating numerous chances from the right side, as FUJINO Aoba (Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Beleza) and SHIMIZU Risa (West Ham United) delivered crosses and shots one after the other. The opening goal came in the 25th minute, when Naomoto received a pass from TANAKA Mina (INAC Kobe Leonessa) on the left side. The seasoned midfielder then carried the ball into the box and struck a left-footed shot into the net. Only two minutes later, Fujino displayed a remarkable individual effort to enter the box from the right before unleashing a thunderous shot just inside the near post's smallest gaps. With this goal, the midfielder, who is 19 years old, became the youngest player from Japan to score in either the men's or women's World Cups.

Hayashi and HASEGAWA Yui (Manchester City) fired shots to pose a threat to the opposing goal as Japan continued to demonstrate their dominance in the second half. Just before the hour mark, Head Coach IKEDA Futoshi added UEKI Riko (Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Beleza) and MIYAZAWA Hinata (Mynavi Sendai Ladies) in an effort to give their offence some new legs. Sugita brought the 6,992 spectators to their feet in the 63rd minute with a fantastic footwork move past an opposing defender. SEIKE Kiko (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Urawa Reds Ladies) and NAGANO Fuka (Liverpool FC) were also introduced in the 74th minute, but Japan struggled to add on to their tally. Costa Rica also created an opportunity in the 80th minute, when Gloriana VILLALOBOS struck a shot from distance, but Japanese goalkeeper YAMASHITA Ayaka (INAC Kobe Leonessa) was there to make the save.

With their defence maintaining their composure to the end, Japan won the match 2-0, starting off the group stage with consecutive victories.

Naomoto was named the player of the match, and with Spain winning their match played at another venue, Japan clinched their spot in the knockout stage with a match still left to be played.

The Nadeshiko Japan returned to their base camp in Christchurch on the following day, as they prepare for the third and final group match against Spain on Monday, 31 July.

Coach and Players' Comments

IKEDA Futoshi, Head Coach (Nadeshiko Japan)
I want to express my gratitude to everyone who supported us during today's game. Each and every one of us has prepared well in order to bring out the best in each other. Regarding the starting lineup, we took a lot of various scenarios and player combinations into account. We chose individuals who could shoot from a distance while taking into consideration their physical conditions in case Costa Rica started off playing defensively. I believe that our team’s strength lies in our ability to fight well no matter who is on the pitch.

DF #5 MIYAKE Shiori (INAC Kobe Leonessa)
I tried to keep my play simple, especially at the beginning of the match. I was also determined to win every battle for the ball. We were able to enter the first match strongly and put up a great overall performance, so we tried to build on that. We also emphasised to one another the importance of playing alertly and with a sense of urgency because if we lost the second match, our first victory would be meaningless. I believe that we were in sync the entire game, as evidenced by the fact that we managed to score first and keep a clean sheet.

MF #6 SUGITA Hina (Portland Thorns FC/USA)
I am satisfied with our overall performance, and I am really glad that we were able to win today. We were able to move the ball, generate opportunities, and score goals on offence, and I thought we were able to put what we had been practising to good use. However, we need to reflect on the fact that we were unable to score in the second half and I wish I was able to create more chances. I believe that the details will matter more than ever in our match against Spain, so we need to keep ourselves on the same page and try to finish off the group stage on a high note.

MF #8 NAOMOTO Hikaru (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Urawa Reds Ladies)
Although I was overjoyed when I scored, I attempted to maintain my composure because it was only our first goal. I was named the Player of the Match thanks to my teammates, and I am very grateful for it. We were able to express what we have prepared for this match and displayed great defence to keep back-to-back clean sheets. I feel that our defence is allowing us to build solid attacks. The sense of unity and vibes among the players are really good, but the atmosphere among the staff, especially the coaches, is also very good, which I think is contributing to the great vibes of the team as a whole.

FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™

Tournament duration: Thu. 20 July - Sun. 20 August 2023
Group stage:
Sat. 22 July 16:00 (Japan time) 1st match vs Zambia
Wed. 26 July 14:00 (Japan time) 2nd match vs Costa Rica
Mon. 31 July 16:00 (Japan time) 3rd match vs Spain
Tournament information