Rifu: Head coach Asako Takakura praised Japan's resilience in their 1-0 win over Chile on Tuesday, a result which ultimately was enough for the hosts to advance to the Tokyo Olympics Women’s Football tournament quarter-finals.
While Japan were in firm control of the match - registering 21 shots on target - it took substitute Mina Tanaka’s 77th minute strike to ensure them the three points in the Group E tie as the Nadeshiko advanced to the knockout stage as one of two best third-placed teams, along with Australia from Group G.
“We understood that it was a match that we absolutely had to win,” said Takakura. “We were in good shape from the beginning, but Chile are a great defensive team with strong structure, so it was difficult to break for the opening goal. .....
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