On Tuesday 27 July, the Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women’s National Team) played their third group stage match of the Games of the XXXII Olympiad (Tokyo 2020) against the Chile Women’s National Team. With their backs against the wall, Japan earned a 1-0 victory thanks to the goal of TANAKA Mina (INAC Kobe Leonessa), earning their ticket to the knockouts stage in front of their fans at Miyagi Stadium.

Following their match against Great Britain, Japan rotated five players from their starting line-up, as centre back TAKARADA Saori (Washington Spirit) earned her first start at the Olympics. Depending on the outcomes of the other fixtures, the team was in position to clinch the knockout stage with a draw, but they were determined to advance through with a win, as team captain KUMAGAI Saki (FC Bayern Munich) mentioned, “We wanted to determine our own fate.”

With IWABUCHI Mana (Arsenal) striking the first shot of the match in the second minute, SUGASAWA Yuika (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Urawa Reds Ladies), SUGITA Hina (INAC Kobe Leonessa), and HASEGAWA Yui (AC Milan) made collective efforts to create numbers of opportunities upfront. SHIMIZU Risa (Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Beleza) added layers to the offence, as she made effective runs down the line, creating a close opportunity in the 10th minute. Sugita responded to a through ball of Iwabuchi in the 17th minute, but her shot was saved by the opposing goalkeeper Christiane ENDLER. .....

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