On Friday 30 May, Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women’s National Team) faced the Brazil Women’s National Team, currently ranked 8th in the world, in an international friendly match held at Neo Quimica Arena in Sao Paulo, Brazil, where they lost the match 1-3.

Japan’s starting line-up featured YAMASHITA Ayaka (Manchester City) in goal. The back four consisted of KOGA Toko (Feyenoord), KUMAGAI Saki (London City Lionesses), MINAMI Moeka (AS Roma), and KITAGAWA Hikaru (BK Hacken). NAGANO Fuka (Liverpool FC) anchored the midfield, with MIYAZAWA Hinata (Manchester United) and TANIKAWA Momoko (Bayern Munich) operating as attacking midfielders. The front three comprised FUJINO Aoba (Manchester City), TANAKA Mina (Utah Royals), and HAMANO Maika (Chelsea), forming a 4-3-3 formation. Minami wore the captain’s armband for this match.

In front of 33,000 enthusiastic home fans, Brazil - the runners-up at the Paris 2024 Olympics and hosts of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027™ - demonstrated their strength, technical ability, and close man-to-man marking. Meanwhile, Japan also displayed an assertive approach in both offence and defence. In the 11th minute, Tanaka scored following a through pass from Fujino, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR review identified a prior foul, in which awarded Brazil a penalty. However, Kerolin’s shot went wide and Japan avoided conceding.

In the 24th minute, Yamashita produced a brilliant one-handed save to deny Duda SAMPAIO's long-range effort. However, as Brazil began to take control, Japan conceded the opening goal in the 28th minute when they lost possession during a build-up, allowing DUDINHA to score with a left-footed shot from the edge of the box. Dudinha found the back of the net once again in the 42nd minute, giving Brazil a two-goal lead at half-time.

After the break, Japan sought to increase their tempo by playing more direct passes. In the 48th minute, Fujino rattled the crossbar with a powerful shot. Despite gaining momentum, Japan were unable to convert their chances, and Brazil further extended their lead in the 55th minute with a goal from Kerolin after breaking through the centre.

In the 65th minute, Kitagawa won a penalty after drawing a handball in the box. Nagano stepped up to take it, but Brazil’s goalkeeper LORENA made the save. Moments later, in the 68th minute, MOMIKI Yuka (Leicester City) and MATSUKUBO Manaka (North Carolina Courage) came on for Japan. Shortly afterwards, Brazil introduced MARTA to a thunderous ovation from the home crowd.

Japan continued to apply pressure, bringing on SEIKE Kiko (Brighton & Hove Albion) and YAMAMOTO Yuzuki (Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Beleza) in the 76th minute to inject energy down the right flank. Despite the increased pressure, Brazil’s defence held firm. In the 89th minute, however, Japan finally broke through when Seike calmly slotted the ball between the keeper’s legs after receiving a pass from Momiki, making it 1-3. In the 90th minute, SUGITA Hina (Portland Thorns) and CHIBA Remina (Eintracht Frankfurt) were also brought on, but Japan's late surge ended there.

Having been overwhelmed by Brazil’s intensity and individual brilliance in the first match, Japan will be looking to bounce back in the second fixture of the series, which is scheduled to take place just three days later.

Coach and Players' Comments

Nils NIELSEN, Head Coach of Nadeshiko Japan
It was a very tough match today. We particularly struggled to cope with Brazil’s aggressive runs. In the early stages, we were unable to win the second ball, which put us on the back foot. Nevertheless, I believe we demonstrated our team spirit. In the first half, our passing tempo was too slow, and we relied too heavily on long balls. We had anticipated this to some extent, but perhaps we were overwhelmed by their pressing. Looking ahead to the next match, we need to improve our first touch and speed of decision-making. After the match, I told the players that there were periods when we played well enough to deserve to win, and that it is clear what we need to work on. Over the next two days, we’ll work on refining our tactics and regaining our mental focus.

DF #13 KITAGAWA Hikaru (BK Hacken/Sweden)
In the first half, we lost possession of the ball too easily and conceded from a counterattack that we had been particularly wary of. We need to attack more effectively against man-to-man opponents, and I felt this was an area we needed to improve on throughout the match. Although there were plenty of defensive issues to focus on, I also made a conscious effort to stay positive and contribute to our attacks. For instance, during the lead-up to the penalty, I aimed to create a two-on-one situation when Fujino had the ball, and I believe I provided good support in that regard. Despite preparing for their intense man-to-man defence, our link-up play in the final third was not smooth and we were caught on the counter several times. In the second half, however, we improved in this area and created some promising moments. For the next match, we’ll analyse the footage, especially with regard to preventing counterattacks, and make the necessary adjustments.

MF #8 SEIKE Kiko (Brighton & Hove Albion/England)
There were long periods during which the atmosphere in the stadium and the momentum of the opposing team overwhelmed us. Even from the bench, it was clear that we were struggling in this match. We often lost out in one-on-one situations, and against a team using man-to-man marking, I felt we needed bolder moves to exploit the spaces behind their defence. Given the timing and the scoreline, I didn’t hesitate to make a forward run when I scored. I made a conscious effort to stay onside and, when the ball came through, I kept my cool to slot the ball through the keeper’s legs. The crowd made communication on the pitch very difficult, reminding us how hard it is to play against Brazil on their home turf. For the next match, we’ll need to refine our focus areas and develop a shared understanding of how to break down the opposition. I believe that if we can use our individual movements to create space while showcasing our strengths, we can create more opportunities.

International Friendly Match

Date: Fri. 30 May, 21:30 (Sat. 31 May, 9:30 Japan time)
Fixture: vs Brazil Women's National Team
Venue: Neo Quimica Arena (Sao Paulo, Brazil)

Date: Mon. 2 June, 20:00 (Tue. 3 June, 8:00 Japan time)
Fixture: vs Brazil Women's National Team
Venue: Cicero de Souza Marques Stadium (Sao Paulo, Brazil)

Match information

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