Friendly Match vs U-17 Venezuela Women's National Team
2016-9-25 (Sun.) - 16:00   Playing Time: 90min. (45min.x2)
Applied Science University

U-17 Japan Women's National Team　5-0（2-0, 3-0）U-17 Venezuela Women's National Team

Scores
19'　ENDO Jun（U-17 Japan Women's National Team）
45'　ENDO Jun（U-17 Japan Women's National Team）
47'　CHIBA Remina（U-17 Japan Women's National Team）
67'　CHIBA Remina（U-17 Japan Women's National Team）
90＋4'　UEKI Riko（U-17 Japan Women's National Team）

Match Report

Under the blue sky, the U-17 Japan Women's National Team played a friendly game against Venezuela. The game kicked off at 16:00.

In the 16th minute, NOJIMA Sakura dribbled up the pitch and fired a shot, but it went right into the hands of Venezuelan goalkeeper. Three minutes later, ENDO Jun received a pass from TAKAHASHI Hana and took a shot, but it just missed the target.

Japan seeking for goals finally scored the much-awaited opener in the 19th minute. Endo, receiving the pass on the left side, fired a shot into the net. Even after the goal, Japan kept attacking the opponents’ goal. Then, in the stoppage time, Endo slotted home a deflected ball of a shot taken by TAKARADA Saori, extending their lead to 2-0.

Japan maintained the momentum in the second half as well. In the 47th minute, CHIBA Remina, who received a pass form KOJIMA Seira, netted a shot to give Japan a 3-0 lead. In the 55th minute, Japan earned a free kick, yet they couldn’t capitalise on their scoring chance from this set piece.

In the 67th minute, Chiba, receiving a pass from MIYAZAWA Hinata right in front of the goal, fired into the net to provide Japan a 4-0 lead.

Moments later, TOMITA Miyu fed KITAMURA Nanami, who attempted to add another goal, but it was called an off-side. In the stoppage time, Japan got a foul inside the box and UEKI Riko successfully netted home a spot kick. Japan won a sweeping victory 5-0.

The U-17 Japan Women's National Team will resume their training on the 26 September to prepare for their first game against Ghana  on 1 October.

Coach and Players' Comments

KUSUNOSE Naoki, Coach
We played a friendly game to prepare for the 2016 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Jordan. In preparation for our first match of the tournament, we went in the game checking on team’s offensive and defensive tactics and focusing on what we need to do as team. We put emphasis on individual skills, but there were too many frivolous mistakes. We did win the match 5-0, but I cannot say we performed superbly.

In order for us to take control the entire match, we need to reduce the number of careless errors and improve each one of the players’ individual skills. We only have a limited time to prepare for the world cup, and we need to give our best.

MF #15 CHIBA Remina (Fujieda Junshin High School)
We played a friendly match against Venezuela today. We won it 5-0, but our performance was not good enough. For example, we couldn’t execute our defensive tactics ‘first defence’, and we allowed the opponents to play freely. Furthermore, we couldn’t play at our tempo and pass the ball around well to break down the opponents’ defence.

In regards to my individual performance, I have to improve on many things, such as the quality of my passing, the distance with my teammates, my positioning when supporting my teammates, and winning the battles for the ball. Prior to our first match against Ghana, I would like to sort those issues out. In doing so, in the limited time left, I need to stay focused and do my best in training.

MF #21 NOJIMA Sakura (CEREZO OSAKA SAKAI Ladies)
We played a friendly match against Venezuela today. It was our final game prior to the first game in the 2016 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup. Opponents possessed speed, but we were able to score goals by moving the ball well at our pace. There were few things that went well for us. However, we still have room for improvement. We made too many frivolous passing mistakes. So we would like to improve on those in the remaining days of our training and make the best preparation possible.

Schedule

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