On Thursday 27 January, the Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women’s National Team) played their third group stage match against the Korea Republic Women’s National Team in the AFC Women's Asian Cup India 2022.

Aiming to claim their third consecutive victory in the group stage, Japan rotated seven starters from their match against the Vietnam Women's National Team three days ago. With YAMASHITA Ayaka (INAC Kobe Leonessa) returning as the starting goalkeeper since the first match, KUMAGAI Saki (FC Bayern Munich) and SHIMIZU Risa (Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Beleza) made their third start in a row. It was NAOMOTO Hikaru (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Urawa Reds Ladies) and NAGANO Fuka (Mynavi Sendai Ladies) who started as the defensive midfielders, while NARUMIYA Yui (INAC Kobe Leonessa), who has scored in back to back matches, was placed in the right side, with UEKI Riko (Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Beleza) and HASEGAWA Yui (West Ham United) starting as the two strikers upfront.

Japan got off to a hot start, as they scored the opener 30 seconds into the match. The goal came when Ueki responded to a long feed delivered by MIYAKE Shiori (INAC Kobe Leonessa), before striking a right footed shot that found the left hand corner of the goal. .....

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