Japan’s FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign is off to a winning start as they swept aside a physically superior Zambia side in an emphatic 5-0 victory.
The Nadeshiko’s signature high tempo, possession-based game has allowed them to compensate for the handicap that is regularly offered as an excuse for underperformance. Head Coach Futoshi Ikeda appears to have his side on a promising course for correction.
The squad selection followed suit with what has proved efficient in preparations. Usual suspects like Yui Hasegawa, Fuka Nagano, Risa Shimizu and Jun Endo were present along with the slightly surprising inclusion of 19-year-old center-back, Rion Ishikawa. Forward Mina Tanaka was also given the nod as the starting No.9 over Riko Ueki.
Ikeda went with his preferred three-at-the-back system featuring high wingbacks. As always, the defensive line was set high with numbers committed forward. Given the pace Zambia has in attach the backline was well organised with all eleven players involved in rapid recoveries as soon as the ball was lost. In general, attacking manoeuvres worked best when launched from the flanks.
Japan had no intention of playing the cautious game and this was clear from the opening whistle. Two viable chances came within the first ten minutes as Aoba Fujino stung the palms of the keeper before seeing another shot come back off the crossbar moments later.
Premature jubilation struck the Nadeshiko faithful when Mina Tanaka fired home from a Jun Endo free-kick delivery only for it to be ruled offside via VAR. The striker moved early and the decision was announced with little complaint. Clear and obvious to a tee.
The physical imbalance was handled well as Japan were quick to close passing lanes and have the player nearest the ball carrier moving to engage. Ultimately this is how Zambia were kept at bay with target forward Barbra Banda seeing little of the ball.
From there on Japan saw chance after chance go begging in an all too familiar fashion, although nerves were eventually settled at the 43-minute mark as Hinata Miyzawa converted a Fujino cross, initiated by a sharp link-up pass from Yui Hasegawa. The half ended with Japan leading by a single goal which could, and should, have easily been more. The high-pressure approach was seemingly too much for Zambia to handle.
The second half began along similar lines. Tanaka saw another goal chalked off for offside before opening her tally at the third time of asking to double Japan’s lead to 2-0. Seven minutes later Tanaka did well to stop the ball rolling out for a goal-kick and deliver a cross to Miyazawa who slotted home for Japan’s third and her second of the match.
At the 71-minute mark, Liverpool’s Fuka Nagano fed an inch-perfect through ball to Jun Endo who advanced on goal and fired past the keeper with a sublime left footed strike. At this point Zambia had all but given up and were well and truly out of the game. The contest was long beyond them.
The Zambians did see some half chances, however, as the 90-minute mark draw nearer. Alas, any late surgencies were in vain as the final blow came for the world cup debutants when Riko Ueki was upheaved by keeper Catherine Musonda in the box, for which a second yellow was issued and the 25-years given her marching orders. After a retake due to encroachment Ueki converted to finish the game 5-0 Japan.
All told there is not much Japan can take from this. Yes, they were fluid and creative in progression and indeed found that clinical edge that is often lacking. But this was a Zambia side that was very much lacking in tactical discipline and were ultimately at a loss as to how to deal with the fast-moving game of the Japanese.
Elite opposition will be far better equipped to handle Japan’s approach.
WHAT WE LEARNED
Defending from the front: Attack is the best form of defence, or so the saying goes. This match serves as a sound example of that virtue. Possession at all costs and recovering the ball at source are the means by which Japan stifled Zambia’s progression. Ultimately their key attackers were nullified and were left stranded and uninvolved. This is how Japan defends best and they are not likely to sink into a low block and invite pressure when disadvantaged by physical inferiority, contrary to popular pregame predictions
All roads lead to Yui Hasegawa: The playmaker’s role within this side cannot be understated. Playing the box-to-box role she is responsible for progressing play through incisive passes, dynamic dribbling and off-the-ball movement. She is also relentless in recoveries and will not lose to hesitation or fear when engaging an opponent. Perhaps the time has come where she can longer be labeled as “out of position” playing in centre midfield instead of up front.
Embed from Getty ImagesWHAT THEY SAID
Futoshi Ikeda (Coach)
“We knew that Zambia’s strength lies in their forward line and the pace they possess. We set out to take absolute care in handling this.
“Not just our defence, but the entire squad had to be aware of the space left behind them and ensure the support is there for it not to be exploited. This is the most dangerous thing about Zambia and I am happy we were able to handle this well.
“I understand that we had many fans watching back in Japan and I am happy we were able to deliver a result.”
Hinata Miyazawa (Attacking Midfielder)
“We were concerned about this match beforehand, so I am delighted that we were able to go on and soundly win it with a team effort.”
“I was really happy when I scored. It was great to celebrate with the team in front of our fans after seeing the ball hit the back of the net.”
WHAT COMES NEXT
With five goals scored Japan sit top of Group C on goal differences over Spain. They will now travel south to Dunedin where they will face Costa Rica on Wednesday. A win there would all but seal their progression to the Round of 16.
Photo: JFA
Listen to The Asian Game Podcast as we look back on Vietnam’s impressive showing and Japan’s thumping win
