“If we have the ball, our opponents cannot score,” Nadeshiko Japan coach Asako Takakura embraces age old footballing philosophy.
The 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup champions are set to embark on their first campaign as hosts of the Olympics Women’s Football Tournament at Tokyo 2020. They face Canada in their Group E opening match at the Sapporo Dome on Wednesday 21 July.
Coach Takakura is clearly placing an emphasis on controlling the game by controlling the ball. Her squad selection consists of players with excellent dribbling skills and an ability to release the ball shrewdly when under pressure and when space is constricted. Many of those included have played together at club level previously.
The physical disadvantage Japanese players often find themselves in at international tournaments is perhaps the main reason for this approach. The immense conditioning and physicality of players from teams such as the United States, Canada and Team GB will often see the Japanese come off second best in individual defensive actions such as aerial duels and when shielding the ball.
Yui Hasegawa of AC Milan and her former teammate Narumi Miura of NTV Tokyo Verdy Beleza are prime examples of players who possess the required skills for Takakura’s strategy. Hasegawa in particular is known for her creativity with the ball and instinctive reading of the game. She is also relentless when recovering the ball, often chopping down opposing players immediately when there are turnovers.
Arsenal forward Mana Iwabuchi will play the number ten role, in behind Urawa Reds number nine Yuika Sugasawa. Connecting play from the midfield to the front line will be Iwabuchi’s role and we can expect her to be involved in the majority of goals Nadeshiko score.
The emphasis on ball playing skills and possession-based football is a virtue that must permeate the entire squad, and not just the attacking third. Beleza goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita is likely to return as Takakura’s first choice keeper given her distribution skills, as much as her shot stopping ability. She is able to deliver long, well placed driven passes to the forward line as well as play short to her defenders when playing out from the back.
All of this suggests Nadeshiko will be a force to be reckoned with at this edition of the Games. However, Takakura’s preferred approach is not without its fundamental flaws.
Japan earned themselves a credible 1-0 win over podium competitors Australia in their final Olympics warm-up match. Nadeshiko were able to dominate the ball and soundly see out the game via an Iwabuchi penalty. The run of play was clearly dictated by Japan while the out-of-sorts Matildas side were left chasing the ball, struggling to gain a foot hold in the game.
Despite their ability to keep the ball, Japan seem to be unsure what to do with it and how they can create clear-cut scoring opportunities. On the face things this game-plan seems to be possession for possession’s sake, with no appetite for risk.
Understandably Japan will be cautious when committing too many players forward for fear of leaving themselves open and facing a rapid counterattack from opponents with a significant physical advantage over them.
Of course, this should not detract much from the positive signs Nadeshiko have shown thus far, but it does raise questions as to how they might score goals and put games to bed, especially in the knock-out stages of the tournament.
Astute coaches will surely look to park the bus against Japan and wait patiently for a counter attacking opportunity. This is especially true of the nations coming from colder climates such as Canada, Team GB, Sweden and Holland, who will try and preserve as much energy as possible.
The lack of a Plan B could ultimately be the downfall of this otherwise formidable Nadeshiko side. Ideally Takakura will be focusing on the flaws in the system at the Sapporo training camp in preparation for opening day.
One solution could be to have the wide midfielders, Yui Hasegawa and Urawa Reds playmaker Yuzuho Shiokoshi, push further up and operate as inside forwards, cutting in to the penalty area in an attempt to draw opposing defenders out of position before playing an incisive pass to one of the forwards who may now have more space to operate in.
All said and done, this is a Nadeshiko side that oozes competence and confidence. Their approach is one of positive football and by default they will take the game to any opponent in this tournament. No matter where they finish, Japan are sure to entertain the crowds on their route to the podium.
Players to Watch
Narumi Miura
Miura is part of the golden generation of Beleza players that include Bayer Leverkusen’s Mina Tanaka and AC Milan’s Yui Hasegawa. She is an instinctive reader of the game and is able to distribute the ball calmly when under pressure.
Her ball control skills and link up play make her a fundamental part of coach Takakura’s possession-based system. Without her attributes this Nadeshiko side would struggle to move the ball through the lines.
Mana Iwabuchi
Iwabuchi will be crucial in finding that elusive final touch. She will play the number ten role and will be responsible for both creating and scoring goals. Opposing defenders will be looking to keep her well-marked, which will allow number nine Yuika Sugasawa more space.
Iwabuchi is also able to deliver accurate crosses into the box, a skill sure to come in handy when Japan are up against defensive set ups. The Arsenal forward is also on penalties so we can expect her to enjoy a high amount of goal involvement.
Hot Prospect
Yuzuho Shiokoshi
The Urawa Reds Ladies attacking midfielder will be making her first appearance at a major international tournament at Tokyo 2020. Her debut came just three matches ago in Japan’s Olympic warm-up match against Ukraine. Shiokoshi found the net twice as Japan went on to win 8-0.
Her natural dribbling technique and passing skills are the attributes that have fast-tracked her fixed place in the Nadeshiko starting line-up. The early signs are promising and Shiokoshi may well prove to be a rising star at Tokyo 2020.
Photo: twitter/buchi_mana
