Nicely taken FK: a referee actually calling fouls can make the difference, as we see. 1-0, now it's up to the Koreans. Who made the first header attempt before Takahashi's goal? Was it Minami? or Kumagai? The header assist was by Ueno: then Minami (or Kumagai) and finally, on the rebound, Takahashi's tap-in.
Mmm, at Fujino's place I'd have opened the play on the Right to Shimizu, instead of taking a shot here.
This Yamashita's save was fully worth a goal!!! But it was also a much needed alarm call: since the goal, we've left too much possession and initiative to Koreans and our pressing (if any) is no more effective!
AFC Womens All in Wrestling and Football Olympic Qualifier H.T....Japan 1-0 DPR Korea Ueno and Tanaka play head tennis and Takahashi puts it in the net for 1-0 Lots of slick passing and lots of physical contact Yamashita brilliant goal line save at 44 min
Japan 1-0 North Korea at HT. But we can't count on keeping this score: we absolutely need to score another in the 2nd Half and of course we have to start it with the same spirit that's been seen in the first part of the 1st Half.
Ok, it's finally clear to me from the replays at HT that it was Tanaka. I am short-sighted. Yes, it was a legit worderful save. I have to admit that back-heel shot from the Korean FW had been brilliant, though. I repeat, we need the second goal or they're sure going to equalize.
Ueno seems a bit out of depth - not just with the ball but also without the ball. She’s not playing badly but to me she is not functioning well especially without the ball - she doesn’t seem to be sure if she should press or holding the position. Fujino is working hard but needs to be more patient or calm in the final third. It’s not like we are controlling the game completely, we can’t waste opportunity with forcible shots when we get into the area. I just want Kumagai to play simple and safe with the ball…. A couple of times, her passes were intercepted in the dangerous area.
Absolutely fantastic game in every aspect: physicality, tactics and fans support. Can't blink to not miss some important action.
Kitagawa was a nice inclusion to the squad, because she has been in very good form for INAC. She also can play as a left-back and as a left-winger. She is a good player. I do not really rate Ueno, but she had a good first-half of the season, so I like that she was included. The main reason being that it gives hope to other WE League players.
I would have anyway preferred to meet them than North Korea. Oh, well... crossing-fingers for that choice not to backfire.
Whatever the reason, Ikeda doesn’t seem to trust Nakashima. Attacking wise she looks like she should be the first to be in the position. But I don’t watch her play in the league. There must be reasons why Ikeda doesn’t choose her - maybe concerns about her defensive capability or something?
The only thing I didn't like so far were few very dangerous fouls by PRK in the first minutes that should've been carded.