I think all except Takase and Ariyoshi are certain. But even without Takase there would be 5 potential FWs (Nagasato, Iwabuchi, Ohno, Ando, Kawasumi) already, so I wouldn't be surprised to see another MF instead. Maybe Uetsuji, or Nakano even? Regarding Ariyoshi, I think there are enough DF options even without her (Yano can play CB/RB/LB; Utsugi can play LB/CB) so we might see another MF, or at least a DF who can play DM like Tanaka. And let's not forget that "Japan turn to tall supergirl", so we might not see Kaihori...? j/k Edit: Well, that's news to me. So... GK: Yamago, I hope... DF: Tanaka / Ariyoshi (whichever isn't in the squad of 18) MF: Uetsuji or Nakano FW: Maruyama or Arakawa Right? Edit2: Wait, what's with Kamionobe? Why hasn't she been called up lately?
The friendly (pre-olympic games match) against France will be for sure on 19th July . Mr Bini confirmed the info: http://www.fff.fr/selections/femininesa/actu/541960_jo-la-liste-devoilee
And the japanese official source for the friendly too: http://www.jfa.or.jp/national_team/topics/2012/204.html
I'm not particularly an anti-Kaihori person, but you should see this at 13:15. Her blunder is not only this one, but a lot, approximately one a game.
Iwabuchi never recieves hype for her goal scoring exploits alone, and that's because it's not really her best quality. Popp in the last U-20 WWC showed us what a young natural goal scorer looks like at the elite end of international football, and on the Nadeshiko side of things, for me it's only Kira who's come closest to meeting those types of demands. Similar to it's MNT, the Nadeshiko's selection of forwards tend to do their best work around the box, rather than in it, and in this regard Iwabuchi will be no different to this now common Japanese trait either. On the other hand Ohno and Y.Nagasato are frustrating because they often go missing in games, only to appear when ruining good opportunities. So as long as Iwabuchi can avoid the MIA traits of Ohno, and the sulking fits of Nagasato, her creative good points should significantly outweigh her potential for wasting chances.
Talking about these two FWs. The next week-end Reds ladies vs Beleza match will be very interesting! Also, Kira & Iwabuchi playing together in the main Nadeshiko team is my big dream.
Thanks for the reference to the Olympic roster rules; I wasn't aware of them and (especially given the alarming rate of injuries in women football) I hope that the JFA will decide to make use of all the 4 Emergency Medical Replacement players (it would also be a way to give Yamago a so well deserved ticket for her last Olympics in London). As it's been said, I guess that 5 DFS + some defensive MFs could be enough and could open one more spot for a FW. Kamionobe seemed to fall out of grace in Sasaki's eyes recently, but I guess she's got great potential still. She suffered an injury some weeks ago in Albirex, but she seems to be back on the pitch now. She can still compete for a place in my opinion (or at least for one of the "emergency" backup places). About Maruyama, I'd say that you need to be bold: basically she's physically not totally ok yet; so you don't call a semi-injured player as a back-up for injuries. You call her in the 18 players team or you don't call her at all, in my opinion.
I agree about Takase and Ariyoshi being doubtful, and Tanaka too. I wonder if Asano N has not made huge improvements (AndG - who is the Nakada/e M you refer to on previous page?). But its probably too early for us to judge, and for Sasaki to make up his mind - the EU trip may cement things. As for Kaihori, I am beginning to wonder - how can Sasaki put her between the posts? Also - that Yamane media article is not someone's imagination (did it originate in Chicago?!). Has no-one else in Japan heard of this narrowing of the "cut" to make the provisional squad?
Considering Yamago I'm affraid it's not workin' this way. From what I did understood these 4 players are basically staying in Japan and until special circumstances occur they are not counted as a part of Olympic "family". Probably won't be given even a commemorative medals if any. About Maruyama you've hit the spot. My thoughts exactly. And I'll feel for her if she won't make narrow 18. Especially after watching this document 'bout her posted by moukoko4 last month. Not only she has been workin' really hard to get herself back on two feet but also whats more important she's seem having some personal unfinished buisnes from Beijing 2008 Olympics methinks 'bout living up to expectations for the NT. I can only guess here but if that's the case in my opinion she paid her dues with her helluva goal in WWC quarters. Will keep me fingers crossed for her.
Do you really need an Urawa fan to tell you that? ^_^ Maiko Nakada; former Belle #9 and twice Nadeshiko League All-Star. I like to think that if she hadn't left Belle, it might have been her instead of Kawasumi to emerge as the new superstar and everybody's darling. She's really that good, or at least she was the last time I saw her. Like Kawasumi, she's very speedy and performed best in an inverted winger role. Of course her new team Ehime FC is horrible, so she's way off any radar...
I agree that there could be better players than Takase for that role (and I also agree that Yuki Nagasato, at least now, after 2011 WWC, is waaaaaaaaaaaaaay more than that): in fact I said that in my opinion Nadeshiko Japan needs both Iwabuchi and a player with certain Takase's features, but I underline that I didn't say she's a lock-in at all. At the moment this player is obviously Takase in Sasaki's eyes; or better, it's been like this 'til now, but it can change. I wouldn't discount so easily the ability that Takase has to put her head down and charge like a bull (see this sunday's goal... ok, maybe she was charging plied like a camel, more than a bull, but oh well... ), but I agree that there could be better choices for that same role, and I am very open to changes of mind by Sasaki about that. I premise that probably my first choice would have been Maruyama, if she didn't suffer that injury and if she wasn't basically still on her way to fully recover from that. Given that, unluckily, I don't think she's enough healthy or fit to bring her in London (I'm giving you my bold opinion about this subject, as much hard as it is), I guess that all the names that you threw are very legitimate. Ok, maybe Maiko Nakada is a bit of a stretch... . But I could totally see Arakawa, Kira or Asano Nagasato seriously compete for that place. Lol, totally agree... Probably she would have needed a brace (I mean the teeth-device), but very early, apparently: beginning at THIS age: By the way, how can you recognize Kawashima in that turned woman with apron?
I remind you to how Cliveworshipper excellently summed up the question in the "Olympic roster rules" thread: So basically, if I got it right, it's up to JFA to decide if they want to buy a plane-ticket and hotel to the back-up players or not. I guess that, for a World Champion federation, it would be an intellegent choice to do so, both for the positive image of the team and because, if already in London, the back-up players, although not allowed to step in the venues or in the Olympic village, could feel more like part of the team, and could be at ready in any circumstances, also avoiding jet-leg or similar problems. Yes, it would be also a costly choice, but i guess JFA could afford this and I also think that when you are World Champion and you want to confirm your strength, you have to invest on details like this one: it can be expensive, but it can give you a little edge on other teams.
I guess that this article caused some misunderstanding here 'cause the guy who wrote this didn't clearly stated that it's a joke (or a fiction, or both). I guess he should have done it.
Sorry blissett I admit that I haven't absorbed it properly me bad. Then those 4 players can perhaps count only for participation medals if all will go well? But they will be deneied gold? That would oop:!!! The recipients of the additional accreditations shall appear on the official list of players and officials, but shall not be officially enrolled for the final competitions and their access to zones and Olympic venues shall be limited.
I guess that they'll get gold (or silver, or bronze... we're assuming they will win. Rightful but quite bold from us... ) if they actually replaced an injured player only. As I said, I guess it's worth flying them to London anyway, and I guess that they can somehow feel as part of the experience, although with no full satisfaction from it...
yes, yes, she is the master of blunders I know, and fukumoto never made some, right? Do I have to remember you AGAIN who give nadeshiko the world tittle? and not only for the Final's PK, she made a great match against germany and USA, even american speakers talked great of her, all players made mistakes once in a while, come on, give her a rest
There is no hope they would get a medal. We probably wont even know who these 4 players are, its the same for any sports event at the Olypmics. They wont be going to London because to do that, the JFA and other FAs would be adding 20% to the team accomodations size (already a huge challenge), and the chances that they will play - or even reach the bench - is extremely low. Now what is this about the joke Yamane article? I dont get it. AndG => have I fallen into two of your traps in one day? Mai Nakada indeed !
an_turtar, I am not sure if you're reading us today. I just finished reading your recent updates, and I once more have to praise you for all the precious info you give to us: reading reports from all of the Challenge League matches is unvaluable! I just want to point out that you left a mistake: the result of JFA Academy Fukushima vs Sfida Setagaya FC is listed as a 0-2 in the title (probably a copy & paste replica of the Tokiwagi match), while it was 3-0 instead (as it's correctly said in the report and score-table).
Actually, Maiko Nakada. About that Yamane article - I don't get it either. I can only assume there was a journalist who thought "hey there's something going on with Japanese women's soccer, and Olympics are soon, so let's make an Olympics-related article out of it". That's really my best explanation, sorry. I'd like to be able to make up for it with Urawa highlights, but still no luck. I can only hope we will get another monthly digest from Moukoko in two weeks or so.
I agree with this. It's all to do with finding ways to continue at the same level of tactical flexibility that won them the world cup, and at the same time figure out ways in which to push things further forward too. I don't think it's crazy now, or even arrogant, to say that Japan have proved that their WWC system works, and no matter who they play up top, we all know this system won't/shouldn't include having to play over the long distances which require a physical lone forward. Yes, players like Nagasato and Maruyama can play with their backs to goal, but as we have all witnessed, this actually rarely happens, as no Nadeshiko FW is regularly seen on the shoulder of the last defender. Like a few of us have mentioned here, all of Japan's forwards besides Takase, can all play with the mobility of AM's. Even Sugasawa when she came into the team proved to be a highly mobile/rarely static forward too. I mean, is it a coincidence that Sasaki would try Takase in a new position, rather than change his system to accommodate her in a forwards role? It's like you suggest, what advantage would there be in a physical presence that isn't working in favour of Japan's most obvious technical/tactical advantages? The way Japan play, I just don't see the need for any panic regarding the potential use of overtly physical forwards. It's an interesting point you raise, but I feel it mainly highlights the lack of belief in Iwabuchi's value to a team, and a system, when she's honestly still unproven at the senior level. Sceptical views regarding a lack of attack based physicality on any future Nadeshiko team is understandable, but I haven't seen a female side as small as Japan, be as good as they are right now, all without a single dominating forward either. What better qualities could a slower, more goal shy, creatively player provide? At the WWC, Ando, Ohno, Kawasumi, Nagasato, and Maruyama, all combined as an interchangeable unit, with the play making ability of Miyama and Sawa behind them, to finish big plays, at vital times. Iwabuchi is yet to find her role within the team, while a player wit Takase's skill set becomes a safe option, but not a smart one.
Ok, thanks for that, I usually check them all once they're done but it's better to have it caught early. Does anyone have a list of the substitutions in the Belle-Beleza game? The official report is missing some of the information.
