The Japanese women’s team Nadeshiko Japan was defeated 1-0 by South Africa this Tuesday, June 9th. The match took place at J-GREEN Sakai in Sakai as part of the team’s preparation. South Africa, 57th in the FIFA rankings, overcame the fifth-placed team in the world with a header nine minutes into the first half.
Coach Tomohisa Kano, who took office in May, fielded a significantly modified team. Japan made 10 changes from their 5-0 victory over the same opponents three days earlier. Only midfielder Takako Seike remained in the starting lineup.
Corner goal sets the score in the first half
South Africa opened the scoring early. Linda Motlhalo headed home a Refiloe Jane cross from a corner. The move in the ninth minute exposed flaws in the Japanese marking in set pieces.
Despite the disadvantage, Japan dominated possession of the ball. The team created chances, but lacked precision in finishing. In the 34th minute, Makoto Matsukubo received the ball with Yuka Momiki and shot with his right foot. The ball hit the right post and went out.
- Japan made 10 changes to the starting lineup compared to the previous game
- Takako Seike was the only one to repeat as starter
- South Africa exploited a dead ball to score the only goal
- Japan had good offensive volume, but faced good performance from the opposing goalkeeper
Changes in the second half do not change the result
At halftime, coach Tomohisa Kano made adjustments. Manchester City’s Yui Hasegawa and Manchester United’s Hinata Miyazawa came on in the second half. The two sought to give more creativity to the Japanese attack.
Japan put a lot of pressure. Hinata Miyazawa had a good chance in the final minutes and hit the crossbar with a right-footed shot. Even with a greater presence in the offensive field, the team was unable to equalize the score.
London City defender Saki Kumagai commented on the result after the final whistle. “Conceeding goals in one or two dangerous situations is something we need to work on. As a team, we need to figure out how to overcome opponents who sit back and defend. We are a team that needs results.”
New coach seeks rapid evolution
Tomohisa Kano has been in charge of Nadeshiko Japan for a few weeks. The two-game sequence against South Africa served as a laboratory. Saturday’s convincing 5-0 victory contrasted with Tuesday’s narrow defeat.
Japan continues to have a good recent record against lower-ranked teams. Still, this Tuesday’s result reinforces the need for greater efficiency against low blocks. The team accumulates important experience before taking on larger commitments.
Details of the confrontation in Sakai
The game went at a good pace. South Africa prioritized organized defense and quick counterattacks. Goalkeeper Kaylin Swart performed safely throughout the 90 minutes.
Japan finished several times, but ran into defensive interventions. The pressure grew especially after 70 minutes, when the substitutions had more effect in midfield.
Saki Kumagai’s reflection points out ways
Captain Saki Kumagai highlighted the importance of learning from defeat. The defender demanded greater attention in dangerous and efficient situations against closed defenses. The speech reinforces Nadeshiko Japan’s competitive profile.
The team now analyzes both games in the series. The focus is on correcting details to maintain the high international level.