On the fourth day of the training camp on Wednesday 7 September, the Japan Women’s National Team squad held their final practice session in the morning. They started with physical training as usual, and did some practice on possession in a six-on-six with two players under various rules, followed by a mini game in a seven-a-side with goalkeepers to finish the session. As the coach TAKAKURA Asako commented: ‘focus on getting one step better’, the team worked hard on improving the quality of each pass and positioning. 

The players at this camp are to participate in the plenus Nadeshiko League, which will start again this weekend. The champions of the League will be decided in October, followed by the Empress's Cup. The players are expected to improve themselves even more by the time of the next Japan Women's National squad’s training camp in December. 

Players' Comments

DF  MURAMATSU Tomoko (NIPPON TV BELEZA)
(In yesterday’s game) as we know the opponent was physically strong and quick, I faced the match, focusing on preparation for plays and positioning. However, it was a shame we conceded a goal due to our mistake in positioning. I’d like to point out that we gave it everything defending in front of the goal, which was one of our tasks from the game against the USA and Sweden. What’s essential is how I’m going to fix the problems, which I found during this training camp.

MF  SUGITA Ami (IGA FOOTBALL CLUB KUNOICHI)
I couldn’t perform tactically enough against the opponent, who initiated attacks from up front, in the match against the university students. Although we did understand their speed and power, we could have improved our preparation and speed of our decision-making. I’d like to be able to make an appropriate judgment where to send a pass under any circumstances. I got to know again what our problem areas are during this training camp. So I’ll practice hard back in my club to improve them. 

Schedule

*The schedule is subject to change due to the team condition, the weather, etc.