Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women’s National Team), who are currently competing in the EAFF E-1 Football Championship 2025 Final Korea Republic, kicked off their campaign on Wednesday 9 July with a commanding 4-0 win against Chinese Taipei (ranked 42nd in the FIFA rankings) at Suwon WC Stadium.

Japan, currently ranked seventh in the world, lined up in a 4-3-3 formation. Their starting XI featured ASANO Natsumi (Chifure AS Elfen Saitama) in goal, backed by a defence consisting of ENDO Yu and ISHIKAWA Rion (both from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Urawa Reds Ladies), MIYAKE Shiori (INAC Kobe Leonessa), and YAKATA Miyu (Mynavi Sendai Ladies). KITAMURA Miu (JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies) anchored the midfield, flanked by NARUMIYA Yui (INAC Kobe Leonessa) and TAKIKAWA Yume (Albirex Niigata Ladies). The front three consisted of AIKAWA Haruna (INAC Kobe Leonessa), TAKAHASHI Hana (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Urawa Reds Ladies), and YAMAMOTO Yuzuki (Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Beleza). Takahashi wore the captain’s armband while Asano, Yakata, Kitamura, Takikawa, and Aikawa all earned their first senior international caps.

Japan dominated possession from the outset, with Yamamoto’s dribbling and Takahashi’s intelligent movement off the ball unsettling the Chinese Taipei defence. Despite the sweltering heat, Japan maintained a high press, leading to the opening goal in the 22nd minute. Aikawa delivered a cross that found Yakata, who had surged forward from left-back to score her first international goal. Just three minutes later, Narumiya swung in a cross that Takikawa headed home, doubling the lead with her own debut goal and giving manager Nils NIELSEN plenty to smile about, as Japan went into the break 2–0 up.

After the interval, UENO Mami (Sanfrecce Hiroshima Regina) was introduced to the midfield. Just three minutes into the second half, Takahashi received a pass from Yamamoto and calmly slotted in Japan’s third. Japan continued to control the game with composed defence led by their two centre-backs Miyake and Ishikawa. ICHINOSE Chisato (Sanfrecce Hiroshima Regina) and YOSHIDA Riko (INAC Kobe Leonessa), made their international debuts off the bench in the 58th and 68th minutes respectively, and in the 70th minute, a cross from Yoshida forced an own goal from the Chinese Taipei defence, extending Japan’s lead to 4-0. Holding a commanding lead, another debutant, OSAWA Haruka (VfB Stuttgart) was introduced in the 74th minute. Although the game saw Yoshida hit the woodwork twice in the closing stages, the score remained unchanged, as Japan won their opening fixture 4-0.

Thanks to the impressive performances of their new players, Japan are now at the top of the table.

Nadeshiko Japan will play the Korea Republic Women's National Team in their second match on Sunday 13 July at 20:00.

Coaches and Players' Comments

Nils NIELSEN, Head Coach of Nadeshiko Japan
With many players making their international debuts, we saw some hesitation and nervousness early on, which made for a slow start. However, I think we managed to maintain possession well and create plenty of chances. Considering we only had two training sessions before this match, I believe we performed well today. I personally struggle with the heat, but the players coped far better and played without issue. There were moments when I wanted us to raise the tempo, and periods when we couldn’t convert the chances we created. But that was understandable, given how difficult it is to maintain focus when playing in this heat. Overall, though, I’m pleased with the players’ performances. I believe some of them have made a strong case to remain part of the national team going forward.

MF #11 TAKIKAWA Yume (Albirex Niigata Ladies)
I was most nervous the night before the match, knowing that I was going to start. I couldn’t stop thinking about the game. However, once the whistle blew, I felt I could play as I usually do. I played in a slightly deeper position than I’m used to at my club, and it's something I need to work on as I wasn’t able to contribute to our attacks as much as I would have liked. Although I only had one shot on goal, I am glad I was able to convert that opportunity. I tried to maintain a good balance with Yui-san (Narumiya), who played close to me, ensuring our movements didn’t overlap. I am sure that the level of competition will increase from here, so I need to improve my decision-making and agility to keep up.

FW #13 YAKATA Miyu (Mynavi Sendai Ladies)
This was my first time playing as a full-back in my life, so I was surprised myself. But I focused on how I could bring out my strengths in the position I was given. My playing style is all about getting forward, and I think I was able to demonstrate that. Of course, I wanted to score, and viewers might have wondered, “What’s the left-back doing all the way up there?” But the ball came to me, and even though it wasn’t a pretty finish, I think it was a goal that really reflected my style. However, one good result isn’t enough. I want to keep improving, continue making a case for myself and learn from the more experienced players so that I can keep pushing myself to achieve more.

EAFF E-1 Football Championship 2025 Final Korea Republic

Tournament Date: Mon. 7 July - Wed. 16 July 2025
Venue: Suwon WC Stadium, Suwon/Hwaseong Sports Complex, Hwaseong
Women's Competition: Japan, Chinese Taipei, Korea Republic, China PR
Tournament information