Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women's National Team) had the second day of their training camp on Tuesday 24 February in preparation for the Algarve Cup. The players had two practice sessions, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. In the morning, the players practiced passing and shots from the build-up to check their attacking tactics after a video session.

In the afternoon, the players did some 4-on-2, 7-on-5, or 11-on-11 passing practice with the local college boys, increasing the area gradually. Then they finished with a practice match. The players kept challenging going forward against the bigger and quicker opponents and tried to play their style under high-pressure.

The players commented: ‘I’d like to focus on making split-second decisions’ and ‘I want to emphasise Nadeshiko’s advantage - the swift change of attack and defence.’

Palyers' Comments

FW 24　SUGASAWA Yuika(JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies)
One of the aims during this training camp is to increase the quality of the play towards the goal and the finishing. As the camp has only just begun, we’re still trying to coordinate better and I’d like to improve that gradually during this camp. I’d like to play my style, turning with the ball in attack, at the Algarve Cup and coordinate with my teammates to score as many as possible. I’ll play impressively to get good results and prepare for the World Cup.

MF 6　SAKAGUCHI Mizuho(Nippon TV Beleza)
When you play against boys, the ball can be stolen very easily if you don’t make a decision quick enough. We have to improve our speed of passing and leaving the ball. As I’m holding a leadership position, I’d like to contribute to playing with my all strength. In the games, I’d like to join the attacks more, running to the back of the opponent and shooting eagerly whenever I have a chance. I’ll keep challenging in each match without wasting opportunities.

DF 3　IWASHIMIZU Azusa(Nippon TV Beleza)
It was an excellent opportunity to experience different speeds and body strengths by practicing with boys before we start to play against European players. I was told by the head coach not to fear any mistakes during the practice session. I’d like to try out my options, such as running towards the back of the opponent. The other players are my teammates, but also my rivals for the World Cup. My aim at the Algarve Cup is to play my style and to play for wins. As I haven’t won a championship yet, I aim to become the best.

JFA-TV (Japanese version only)

Schedule

*Local Time