New Zealand applied some nice pressure early in the half, but after 25 minutes Little Nadeshiko kind of took control of the match. Little Nadeshiko do not look that good, but I just think that their opponents get better every world cup, which means more pressure and more mistakes. Let us not forget that Shirai probably had his entire midfield set up around Hirakawa up until September, so the midfield will probably be a bit disjointed. I know Hirakawa played at the last Under 17 World Cup, but Urawa preventing her from playing sets a really bad precedent. Of course she may have requested to not play, but I doubt it. I could perhaps understand a weaker team with a smaller squad making the request, but Urawa one of the richest clubs and with one of the biggest squads unable to cope without a 17 year-old for three weeks is kind of a joke.
Have you noticed many long balls forward, especially in the first 20 minutes? I wonder why so soon, when opponent is still fresh to chase. Didn't know Shirai is such a good card player. Traditional missed penalty kick, 'Nadeshiko-style'!
Scenario should be the same: play in order for not to conceede in the first 15-20min and then take it to them.
Is there any reason why JEF's Runa Sumiya is not in this squad? Or is she too young and will go next year?
In fact she's been very good in this 2nd Half also, so far, including winning this last GK that led to a good save by Fern GK.
Water-cooling break. New Zealand aren't being dangerous, but I'd feel more comfortable if we'd finally put that second goal in.
meanwhile Hasegawa scored in league cup match against Newcastle (Man City's up 3-1) Seike scored in league cup match against Southampton (Brighton's up 2-0)
After the cooling break we also have Yuna Takahashi and Ena Koizumi for Manami Sato and Shizuru Iida.
This game is like the 'good old days' when the cry was always 'where are the goals going to come from'