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NEWS
20/06/2012
Nadeshiko Japan beat Sweden 1-0 in friendly tournament
Nagasato Yuki scored the game's sole goal in the first half to help the Nadeshiko Japan beat hosts Sweden 1-0 in the Swedish Invitational Tournament in Goteborg on Wednesday.
Japan ended with a record of one win and one defeat.
Following their 4-1 loss to the United States two days ago in the three-nation tournament, the Japanese women improved their game and put more pressure on their opponents to win the ball.
The goal came in the 27th minute. Ando Kozue dribbled inside to deliver a fine through ball to Nagasato, and the Potsdam forward made no mistake in slotting the ball home for her second goal of the tournament.
Japan, who will play Sweden in their second game of the London Olympics this summer, went on the attack and came close with Takase Megumi's close-range attempt from a Miyama Aya corner shortly before the break.
Sweden, who lost to the United States 3-1 four days ago, had a chance through Lotta Schelin in the 34th minute, but the Olympic Lyonnais forward's shot went wide.
After the break, Japan brought Sawa Homare, Maruyama Karina, and Kawasumi Nahomi off the bench.
Around the 60-minute mark, Kawasumi latched on to a fine ball from Sawa before returning the ball to Ando. But the Duisburg attacker's attempt was saved by the Swedish goalkeeper.
Sweden, ranked fourth in the world, rallied hard from halfway through the second half and threatened the Japanese goal with attempts by Sara Thunebro and Lotta Schelin, but Japan goalkeeper Fukumoto Miho made good saves to keep a clean sheet.
"The smallest team in the tournament beat the tallest side; that was a good lesson for us," said Nadeshiko Japan coach Sasaki Norio.
Nagasato commented, "I knew Ando would deliver a good ball like that. I'm glad I could score in a style I like. But we shouldn't be overly satisfied with the win today and should work hard to raise the quality of our game."
The Nadeshiko Japan Olympic squad is expected to be named on July 2.
Japan ended with a record of one win and one defeat.
Following their 4-1 loss to the United States two days ago in the three-nation tournament, the Japanese women improved their game and put more pressure on their opponents to win the ball.
The goal came in the 27th minute. Ando Kozue dribbled inside to deliver a fine through ball to Nagasato, and the Potsdam forward made no mistake in slotting the ball home for her second goal of the tournament.
Japan, who will play Sweden in their second game of the London Olympics this summer, went on the attack and came close with Takase Megumi's close-range attempt from a Miyama Aya corner shortly before the break.
Sweden, who lost to the United States 3-1 four days ago, had a chance through Lotta Schelin in the 34th minute, but the Olympic Lyonnais forward's shot went wide.
After the break, Japan brought Sawa Homare, Maruyama Karina, and Kawasumi Nahomi off the bench.
Around the 60-minute mark, Kawasumi latched on to a fine ball from Sawa before returning the ball to Ando. But the Duisburg attacker's attempt was saved by the Swedish goalkeeper.
Sweden, ranked fourth in the world, rallied hard from halfway through the second half and threatened the Japanese goal with attempts by Sara Thunebro and Lotta Schelin, but Japan goalkeeper Fukumoto Miho made good saves to keep a clean sheet.
"The smallest team in the tournament beat the tallest side; that was a good lesson for us," said Nadeshiko Japan coach Sasaki Norio.
Nagasato commented, "I knew Ando would deliver a good ball like that. I'm glad I could score in a style I like. But we shouldn't be overly satisfied with the win today and should work hard to raise the quality of our game."
The Nadeshiko Japan Olympic squad is expected to be named on July 2.
