On Saturday 24 July, the Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women’s National Team) played their second group stage match of the Games of the XXXII Olympiad (Tokyo 2020) against Great Britain Women’s National Team at Sapporo Dome.

Ahead of the match, players from both sides took a knee to protest against discrimination and racism. When asked about this gesture, KUMAGAI Saki (FC Bayern Munich) revealed after the match, “The players of Great Britain gave us the opportunity to think about racism and we decided to take a knee as a team to show our respect towards their action.”

Japan made five changes to their starting line-up after drawing 1-1 against Canada. It was YAMASHITA Ayaka (INAC Kobe Leonessa) who started in goal, with MIYAGAWA Asato (Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Beleza) starting as the left fullback and HAYASHI Honoka (AIK Fotboll) in the defensive midfield position. SUGITA Hina (INAC Kobe Leonessa) was placed as the left midfielder, while TANAKA Mina (INAC Kobe Leonessa) was named as one of the strikers upfront. Great Britain also rotated four players following their 2-0 victory over Chile. .....

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