Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Nice: Japan’s place in the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019 knockout stage may already be secured, but Asako Takakura insists her side won’t be taking their foot off the accelerator in their final group stage match against England on Wednesday.
With both sides already safely through to the Round of 16, the clash at Stade de Nice has less riding on it than many of the other group stage finales in France, but the title of group winners, and with it a lower-ranked knockout stage opponent, remains a compelling prize.
Of added importance is Japan’s ongoing desire to improve. The 2015 runners-up bounced back from a dour 0-0 draw with Argentina to produce a much brighter display in their follow-up 2-1 win over Scotland and match to match improvement, Takakura believes, is important in tournament football.
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Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Paris: They are colleagues at club level in the team that dominates European women's football, but Saki Kumagai and Lucy Bronze will be coming up against one another at a second consecutive FIFA Women's World Cup when Japan and England clash on Wednesday.
In 2015, it was Kumagai's Japan who emerged victorious in the semi-finals in Canada, a stoppage-time Laura Bassett own goal giving them a 2-1 win over Bronze's England on their way to a 5-2 defeat in the final against the United States.
Prior to that, it was England who triumphed 2-0 in the 2011 group stage in Germany, but on that occasion Japan went on to win the trophy while England went out in the quarter-finals.
That was before Bronze had made her senior international debut and the right-back is confident England are better equipped than ever to go all the way after several near misses in recent years.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Rennes: Mana Iwabuchi returned to the starting line-up for Japan’s second FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019 group stage fixture, and so did the Nadeshiko’s attacking verve as they sealed a pivotal 2-1 win over Scotland on Friday.
The 2018 AFC Women’s Asian Cup’s Most Valuable Player only featured as a substitute in Japan’s 0-0 Matchday One draw against Argentina, but she made the most of her recall against the Scots, giving her side a 23rd-minute lead with a crashing 20-yard drive.
It proved to be one of the key moments in the all-important clash, and Iwabuchi was awarded Player of the Match for an excellent overall contribution alongside Yuika Sugasawa.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Rennes: Japan put themselves to within touching distance of a place in the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019’s knockout stage, producing an improved performance to beat Scotland 2-1 on Friday.
The Asian champions had a point to prove after their lacklustre 0-0 draw with Argentina on Monday, and a youthful Nadeshiko looked more like the team which has appeared in the past two World Cup Finals.
A thumping opening goal from the reinstated Mana Iwabuchi got Japan going in the 23rd minute, before Yuika Sugasawa doubled the lead 14 minutes later, but they had to endure a nervy finale after Lana Clelland pulled a goal back for Scotland with two minutes remaining.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Paris: Japan were denied a first-up win by Argentina, who earned a goalless draw in their opening FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019 fixture at Parc des Princes on Monday.
Despite fielding eight players making their tournament debut, Japan were considered strong favourites to win the tie, but a resolute Argentinian defence helped Carlos Borrello’s side to their first ever World Cup point.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Le Havre: China PR head coach Jia Xiuqan was overcome with joy after his side earned the crucial point they needed to advance to the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019 knockout stage on Monday.
The Steel Roses survived 23 Spanish shots at goal, with goalkeeper Peng Shimeng turning in a Player of the Match performance to take her side to the Round of 16 with a 0-0 draw against Spain.
With over 40 years of experience in the game, and not having a reputation for wearing his heart on his sleeve, Jia surprised many - including his star 21-year-old shot-stopper - by showing his emotions after the final whistle.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Reims: Korea Republic produced their best performance of the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019, but it wasn’t enough to prevent a 2-1 defeat, which confirmed their group stage elimination on Monday.
Yoon Duk-yeo’s side conceded penalties at the beginning of each half, overshadowing a spirited overall display which produced 23 shots at goal to eight, with Yeo Min-ji netting her side’s first goal of the tournament.
Norway’s win takes them through to the knockout stage as Group A runners-up, while France’s 1-0 win over Nigeria in their match, held simultaneously in Rennes, confirmed the hosts as group winners.