U-19 Japan Women's National Team, who topped the group stage in the AFC U-19 Women's Championship China 2015, will play in the semi-final on Wednesday 26 August. 

The team held a practice session on the morning of 24 August to analyse their upcoming opponent, Korea Republic, and to discuss strategy. The players, who watched the match between Korea Republic and Korea DPR the day before, were divided into three groups – defenders, midfielders, and forwards. Then they analysed the trend of the opponent’s attack and defence to discuss and share how to react and play.

In the afternoon, the players held a training session, which included a 10-on-10 to pass the ball around and a mini game. They focused on what they had discussed in the morning and put that into practice, controlling the line and changing passing speed.

Players' Comments 

MF ＃6   SUMIDA Rin (Nippon TV Beleza)
In terms of the match against China PR, although we did press the opponent up front from the beginning of the game, we were less organised as a team in the first half, and didn’t defend well. Then one careless mistake gave rise to another.

After conceding the second goal, we got rattled for the last 10 minutes. Having said that, I’m glad we won the game. As I couldn’t contribute to the team at all and we lost in the previous AFC U-19 Women's Championship, I really want to win this championship.

FW ＃20   SHIRAKI Akari (Urawa Reds Ladies)
I don’t think we have shown our coordinated plays enough yet in the previous three games. I’d like to play more tactically and judge the opponent. As we lost in the previous AFC U-19 Women's Championship, our motivation this time is really high. However, our team is organised as a new one, and we are refreshed. I’d like to win in Asia in preparation for the coming World Cup.

Schedule

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