Nadeshiko Japan lost to Korea Republic 2-1 on 4 August in the second match of the EAFF Women's East Asian Cup in Wuhan, China. They have lost two consecutive games and also their opportunity to become back-to-back champions for the first time in two tournaments before the last match against China PR on 8 August.

Japan, who lost their first game against Korea DPR, changed nine players for the line-up, including goalkeeper YAMASHITA Ayaka (Nippon TV Beleza), defender MURAMATSU Tomoko (Nippon TV Beleza), and midfielder SHIBATA Hanae (Urawa Reds Ladies), who were playing their debut match.

On the other hand, ten players from Korea Republic with experience in the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada started the match. Japan formed a defensive block to prevent the opponent’s passes, while Shibata in right midfield, KYOKAWA Mai (INAC Kobe) at right back, and NAKAJIMA Emi (INAC Kobe) at left midfield were aggressively attacking to create goal-scoring opportunities.

Japan stayed ambitious for goals. After 18 minutes, midfielder NAOMOTO Hikaru (Urawa Reds Ladies) got through the centre to take a long-distance shot. Then in the 25th minute, the forward ARIMACHI Saori (Vegalta Sendai Ladies), who received a through pass from Naomoto, moved into the penalty area to take a shot.

Japan struck the opener in the 30th minute. The players patiently passed the ball around from Nakajima’s left corner kick, and Naomoto, who received a cross from Nakajima, struck at the goal, only for it to be saved by the opponent’s defender. Then Nakajima reacted to a loose ball, and scored a goal with her right foot.

However, Japan started to be intercepted on the ball. They were also losing the control in passing and clearing the ball from their penalty area, letting the opponent get hold of the ball and initiate attacks. After 40 minutes, the midfielder LEE MIN A, who intercepted the ball in the centre, took a shot.

At the beginning of the second half, Korea Republic scored the equaliser. In the 54th minute, the opponent stole a careless Japanese pass, and CHO SO HYUN, who dribbled up, knocked the ball into the right-hand corner.

After 63 minutes, midfielder KAWAMURA Yuri (Vegalta Sendai Ladies) replaced midfielder UETSUJI Yumi (Nippon TV Beleza) to add some calm to the central area. Kawamura passed the ball forward to initiate an attack, as well as taking a long-distance shot herself in the 72nd minute. Japan started to generate a good rhythm in attack.

After 74 minutes, Shibata, who ran towards the goal and received a return pass through the combination between Shibata and Kyokawa, could not get any shots away with her opportunity. Then two minutes later, Kyokawa dribbled up and took a long-distance shot, but it went wide.

The forward SUGASAWA Yuika (JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies) came off the bench in the 72nd minute, and midfielder YOKOYAMA Kumi (AC Nagano Parceiro) in the 81st minute.

After three minutes in additional time, Korea Republic earned a free kick in the left wing. The midfielder JEON GA EUL, who came off the bench, struck a goal directly from a free kick to decide the match.

Match details

Korea Republic won two consecutive games, and are tying on six points for the lead with Korea DPR, who won against China PR 3-2 in the other match. Both China PR and Japan lost two consecutive matches, and will take each other on in the third-place playoff on 8 August, while Korea Republic and Korean DPR will play the final.

Coaches' Comments

SASAKI Norio, Coach (Nadeshiko Japan/Japan Women's National Team)
Our aim was to win the championship, as well as letting the young players have some experience. However, we couldn’t win today’s match, and lost our opportunity to claim the title. Although the players learned from their mistakes in the first match and tried to bring what they learned to this game, it wasn’t yet enough for each player. We couldn’t score on our opportunities, while the opponent did.

I’d like the players to learn about the difficulties of goal-scoring opportunities. I want to improve this team one more level, so that they can win the last match.

YOON Dukyeo, Coach (Korea Republic Women's National Team)
It was vital to prepare ourselves mentally well to concentrate on the match against Japan. I think the players did very well.

As we were pressed in the first half, I changed the formation and replaced players, so that CHO SO HYUN could concentrate on defence, while the other focused on the attack. I believed that JEON GA EUL could add more insurance. That’s why I fielded her on the pitch in the end.

Schedule