Japan to come with fresh focus for Brazil match

Japan will return with a fresh focus to take on Brazil in the quarterfinal of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup on Thursday, November 24 at the National Football Stadium, Port Moresby.

Japan coach Asako Takakura said following their victory over Canada 5-0, that their next game will be the knockout stage so they will have to win it.

Takakura said if they lose the game their World Cup dream will be over so they will definitely push forward and trust themselves.

She added that individually each player will have to step up in order to progress to the next stage of the finals.

Coach Takakura admitted that although the game against Canada was tough, they were able to keep it under control and that worked out well for them.

“We look forward to the next game against Brazil with further prospects and a positive mindset.

“I was a little worried about the weather here that will have an impact on my players but the players have adapted well to the climate. 

“The fans have been really supportive and we are enjoying the tournament so far,” Takakura said.

Top player mid fielder Yui Hasegawa, who was the Live Your Goals Player of the Match against Canada, said the players look forward to a fresh start for the next game.

“As the coach has pointed out, it’s the knockout stage so we must make sure to win because if we lose that’s the end of our journey.

“We will work individually on our weaknesses and collectively as a team to prepare for the Brazil match,” Hasegawa said.

Japan topped Group B after the round robin matches followed by Spain, Nigeria and Canada.

Nigeria and Canada have bowed out of the tournament.  

Author: 
Quintina Naime