Brazil fades and Japan steps on their throat. The young Japanese gals did just enough to stay in it and then had flashes of brilliance.
I wasn't a believer, but I must admit that today Yamane made some very nice saves. Mixed with her usual uncertainties from time to time, but she was honestly quite good.
Yes, you were right about that. We had a very bad spell in the first part of 2nd half, but we lived through it (changes by Takakura did help!) and in the end Brazil crumbled apart as they used to do.
Not only that. It would have put a ton of pressure on both England and the US to pad up the goal difference on top of winning the match.
Game ends Japan 3-1 Brazil. It was an entertaining match and shows that the Japanese youngsters are really ready for the big stage. Now to prepare some snacks for the US-England match coming in an hour.
Sugita, Kobayashi... now the chances were raining. But final whistle right now. FT: Japan 3-1 Brazil.
Perhaps it's just as well I didn't have pictures.That sounded like a 20 cigarette game. Oh well England USA on TV later...(not as good as real thing though) Thanks for updates
I know it probably will not happen but I would like to see Endo start the next match. I am interested in what she can do against England for a full 90 or at least 70 or so.
Not sure if I'll stay up to watch it (evening here), but maybe I could give a look at 1st half at least...
Second half goals Brazil equalized, but Japan pulled away with two second-half goals to take all 3 #SheBelievesCup points. pic.twitter.com/8nPbqJH3FV— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) March 2, 2019
Oh, guys, I somehow missed who made the assist for Hasegawa's goal: was it Momiki again? Nevermind: just re-watched it. It was Momiki indeed.
When they cut out their mistakes and just put a few passes together, it was very easy in the end. Although you have to say that Brazil looked very tired towards the end and we brought quality players at the right time. It was the same against the USA, but Nadeshiko were shooting themselves with their mistakes - I do admit it is caused by the pressure from the opponents as well. Sugita has to go to France in my opinion whether or not she can be a starter, I don't know. But she's got to be in the squad.
She's had only one and a half good games in the national team. It's too early to call she can be trusted. I think Utsugi still has to start in the big match. I'm sure we need her and can trust her when her condition is better. The question is who will be her partner. Sugita or Miura is my choice but I'm sure Takakura keeps trying different players until Tokyo 2020.
Quite agree with you, but I have to say that, after this tournament it will be very difficult to make cuts and to decide which veterans and which young players to bring at WWC. Well, it's of course good to have over-abundance problems (it can also cover for potential injuries in the next months), but some of the necessary cuts will hurt. I'd say that Takakura's move for this tournament was wise, in the end: we have now a wider pool of players to draw from. Meanwhile, is Yuka Momiki secretely being the current Player of the Tournament, with 2 goals and 2 assists in 2 games?