On 28 July, Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women’s National Team) had the second day of their training in Nagoya for the upcoming EAFF Women's East Asian Cup 2015.

On the previous day they only had light training particularly for conditioning, but this day the players had training both in the morning and in the afternoon. After the warming up session in the morning, they had 5-on-3 passing exercises and an 11-on-9 half pitch mini game against local high school men’s team. During these sessions, they checked differences and characters of each player especially in physical fitness and how they respond to pressures. 

In the afternoon, they had closed-door sessions except for the first 15 minutes, and they had match-type practical training to prepare for the opponents they will face at EAFF Women's East Asian Cup 2015. Throughout the training, coach SASAKI was giving many directions from the sidelines to his players on how they should be playing. 

After the sessions, which totaled four hours, forward TAKASE Megumi (INAC Kobe) reflected, “we could do well today. We have to compete with each other for the next selection, but now we have to make a good result as a team. We still need to have a good combination for defense and any other play as a team, so we want to maximise the given four days to improve it.”

Meanwhile, defender OBARA Yuria (Albirex Niigata Ladies) got a left knee injury and after a proper medical check up it was decided that she would leave the squad. Midfielder NAKAJIMA Emi (INAC Kobe) has been called up to replace her. 

The team will travel to China on 29 July and spend another two days preparing for their first match against Korea DPR on 1 August. 

Players' Comments 

FW #15   TANAKA Mina (Nippon TV Beleza)
I have learned many things by spending time with high-level players. Being selected for this opportunity is just the beginning for me. As a forward player I will always aim at the goal and I also show my advantages such as sneaking into space behind defenders, or making turns right after getting the ball. I usually pressure myself that I have to score more, so I will keep aiming at the goal. 

I have a bitter memory that we could not beat an Asian team at the time I played in the U-19 team. There are other players of that time, so I never want to lose again. Along with the victories, I also want to play well in any match I play in. 

MF #13   KYOKAWA Mai (INAC Kobe)
We have the first match soon, but I want to start the match in a good team condition by having positive communication with my teammates. This is my given chance so I will be happy to work hard in both defense and offense. Nadeshiko Japan has achieved a good result finishing in 2nd place at the recent FIFA Women’s World Cup. I will play with sense of responsibility to make a good result again as an individual player and as a team. 

Schedule