NEWS

Forward Kozue Ando struck twice as the Nadeshiko Japan women’s team downed Colombia 4-2 in their third match at the Bicentennial Women’s Cup friendly tournament in Chile on Thursday.

The result meant that the Japanese team maintained their lead in the five-team round-robin competition with a record of two wins and a draw.
Japan sprung into action with only a minute gone when Ando scored on her side’s first shooting opportunity.
Five minutes later, Ando, who recently announced she will be moving to German club Duisburg from Urawa Reds, added another by slotting home from close range following a Megumi Kamionobe corner.
In the 19th minute, forward Megumi Takase made it 3-0 for Japan as the Japanese women took control of the game.
But shortly before the break, Colombia pulled a goal back with a penalty by Ingrid Vidall after she was brought down in the box.
Five minutes after the break, another Vidall goal made the score 3-2.
But in the 67th minute, the Nadeshiko widened the lead to 4-2 when defender Akiko Sudo headed in a corner.
Japan came close to adding another goal in the 85th minute, but Takase’s shot went wide.
Nadeshiko Japan coach Norio Sasaki commented, “We played better than in our previous game, but at the same time our players must realize that small mistakes can cost them a goal. It is important not to give away a goal when you are not playing the way you want. I hope our younger players can learn more by playing games like this.”
Ando commented: “Playing with younger players, I knew the start of the game would be important today. I think I scored at good moments.”
The Nadeshiko will play Argentina in their fourth and final game in the tournament on Saturday.