FPF Algarve Cup 2015
Wed. 4 March 2015    Kickoff 14:10    Playing time: 90 min
Bela Vista Municipal Stadium (Parchal, Portugal)

Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women’s National Team)   1-2 (1st 1-1, 2nd 0-1)   Denmark Women’s National Team

Scores
2'    Goal against (Denmark)
17'  ANDO Kozue (Japan)
58'  Goal against (Denmark)

Starters
GK:   YAMANE Erina
DF:   KINGA Yukari, IWASHIMIZU Azusa, KUMAGAI Saki, SAMESHIMA Aya
MF:   SAKAGUCHI Mizuho, ANDO Kozue, MIYAMA Aya, KAWASUMI Nahomi
FW:  OHNO Shinobu, OGIMI Yuki

Substitutes
GK:  FUKUMOTO Miho, KAIHORI Ayumi
DF:  KAMIONOBE Megumi, ARIYOSHI Saori, KAWAMURA Yuri
MF:  UTSUGI Rumi, TANAKA Asuna, UETSUJI Yumi, NAGASATO Asano
FW: TAKASE Megumi, YOKOYAMA Kumi, SUGASAWA Yuika

HT　ANDO Kozue → NAGASATO Asano
68’　OHNO Shinobu → SUGASAWA Yuika
83’　KAWASUMI Nahomi → TAKASE Megumi
83’　KINGA Yukari → ARIYOSHI Saori
84’　SAKAGUCHI Mizuho → UTSUGI Rumi

Match Report

Just after two minutes, Japan conceded a goal from a loose ball through the confusion in front of goal. In the 17th minute, Ogimi took a shot, reacting to a back pass from Kawasumi on the left side. Although the ball hit the goalpost, Ando, who played as a right side half, calmly struck a goal, leveling the game. Japan were eager to build up positive momentum for them. After 32 minutes, Ogimi, who ran towards the pass from Miyama, shot at goal, trying to create attacking opportunities. However, Japan did not succeed in making much improvement. In the 38th minute, Japan had a tense moment, as the ball was intercepted at the defensive line and pressed toward the goal area. During the second half, Japan could not get their playing rhythm back. After 58 minutes, the opponent directly kicked a cross from the left side, scoring a goal, and the score remained until the final whistle. Nadeshiko Japan lost their first match in 2015 and the opening game of the Algarve Cup.

The second match of the group stage, which is after a one-day break, will be against Portugal at 12:10 (21:10 Japan Time) on Friday 6 March.

Head Coach and Players' Comments

SASAKI Norio, the head coach
Although the counter-attacks and the pressure from Denmark were as expected, we made mistakes in passing under pressure and couldn’t change the direction of the game. We did score a goal, but I have to say we weren’t good enough to turn the game around. We learned a lot for the coming World Cup. Losing the match was a ‘negative experience’. Having said that, what matters is how much we can learn from it. We must win our second game. So we’ll refresh ourselves and get ready for the next one.

DF 4   KUMAGAI Saki (Olympique Lyonnais)
We conceded a goal during the initial scramble, when we should have played most carefully. I could have been better as a defender. As each individual plays differently at their respective clubs, it all comes down to ‘how we become a team’ when we play together. I know it’s important to review the match, but I think it’s vital to fix our tasks during the next 90 minutes. Losing is definitely not good, and we have to make it meaningful for the next stage. I won’t waste these three matches, in order to improve myself as well as play better as a team.

MF 8   MIYAMA Aya (Okayama Yunogo Belle)
We didn’t start the game well and couldn’t react well to counter-attacks as a team. We conceded a goal, in a way that was identified as a problem during the practice session. We should have increased the quality of the attack and managed our risk in defence. There were not only mistakes, but also some gaps between us. So we’d like to sort this. I know losing doesn’t take us anywhere, but we can’t stay negative. As we still have time, I’d like to play better from the mistakes we made today.

FW 17 OGIMI Yuki (VFL Wolfsburg)
The awkwardness, which I felt during the practice session, was displayed on the pitch today. I think each player didn’t properly share the detailed image of the passing or other plays. That’s one of the reasons we couldn’t finish our shots.

MF 7   ANDO Kozue(1. FFC Frankfurt)
We lost our first match and found some tasks to be fixed during today’s match, even though we focused on winning. I was eager to play aggressively, but the team’s initial play wasn’t good at all. We need to improve the quality of our play as a team, and I’d like to focus on intercepting the ball from the front. As there are more games coming, I’d like to fix our issues to play better.

MF 23   NAGASATO Asano (1.FFC Turbine Potsdam)
Although I came off the bench when the score was equal, I couldn’t score at all. I should have created more goal-scoring opportunities. So I have to improve myself more. During the first half, I was watching the match from the bench and thought it was essential to pass the ball into the space behind the opponent, as Denmark’s defensive line stayed away from the goal. Because Ogimi's initial moves were very speedy, I focused on not missing the chances. There were some mistakes in today’s match and we couldn’t play as we wanted to, but I’d like to refresh our team by communicating before the match against Portugal. I’ll run forward, so that the team can build up positive momentum.

Schedule

*Local Time