Coach Nils Nielsen For tomorrow's match against Vietnam, we are continuing our usual pre-match preparation while striving to improve on our performance from the previous two matches. Vietnam is a fast team, and we are prepared to handle them. Although we have secured a spot in the knockout stage, it is important to maintain this momentum and advance through the group in first place. Qualifying first will provide travel advantages and will also benefit us in future matches. With only two days between games, I expect there will be some changes in the lineup, but Japan's strength is that they can maintain their strength no matter who plays. Everyone is ready to play, and they understand their roles, so I think it will be easy to make substitutions. 18 MF Honoka Hayashi This is my first time playing for the national team in about a year, so I've been focusing on communicating well while reviewing the team's achievements. In my defensive midfielder position, I think risk management and vertical passes from midfield to the front will be important. Also, while I was able to win the ball (against India), I'd like to be able to perform well even when the opponent's level rises. I think there will be more close matches in the future, and even if we concede the first goal, it will be important to stay focused and recover within the 90 minutes while aiming to score. 5 DF Hana Takahashi We're ready for anyone to play, and I think we've played well as a team through the two games so far, so I want to win tomorrow's match against Vietnam and move on to the next one. The most important thing is to win as a team. To achieve this, I think it's important for our defense to communicate with each other and maintain a high level of concentration. As you can see from our first match and the other group matches, Asian competitions present unique challenges. No matter who our opponent is, we'll prepare thoroughly, keeping these challenges in mind, responding calmly to any issues that arise, and focusing on the game at hand to seize victory. 25 FW Reina Chiba In the match against India, our team aimed to attack from the wing, so I went into the match determined to fulfill that role. Although I played a different position than I do at club level, in Germany, the premise is to not lose in contact, and being competitive in close battles has been a core part of my game, so I'm glad I was able to demonstrate that. Japan has so many talented players, so I'm always striving to give 100% in my efforts and in my ability to not lose in physical battles. I want to contribute by creating momentum by choosing between going deep or deep, while keeping in mind what the opponent dislikes. Also, playing close to the goal, I want to contribute to the team through results. 4 DF Saki Kumagai In the match against India, we scored an early lead and added additional goals at key moments, giving the entire team a sense of ease. Following the first match, we discussed how we could improve our offensive strategies and head into the second match. Players who came on in the second half also brought out their unique strengths, allowing us to score 11 goals in a variety of ways, which was a great achievement. In the first match, I felt the key to success was how persistent we could be, and I think a similar outcome is quite likely in the next match against Vietnam. It's important for both the front and back to stay focused and focus on what we need to do. Japanese players are highly adaptable, and even with significant changes to our lineup, we were able to secure points, which I think shows our team's unity. 24 MF Yui Narimiya I came on as a substitute in the match against India, hoping to energize the offense even a little, so I played with that role in mind. While keeping an eye on the opponent's block height, I also tried to simplify my rhythm in the second half against opponents who retreated. I believe my running ability and in-between movements will be effective against opponents like Vietnam, who play man-to-man, so I want to play in a way that leaves one player out and creates space around me. Many of the national team players play overseas, and I'm experiencing their ability to close in and their high intensity every day during training camp, just like I did in matches against overseas teams. There's a lot to learn from watching their strength training, so I want to cherish my strengths while absorbing as much as I can and use that knowledge to further my growth.
It really must be a different football world abroad, when even 31yo veteran like Narumiya feels the need to learn from younger foreign clubs players.
The s***show from the African Cup of Nations final back in January is having an effect in other competitions now, I see. FIFA as a whole needs to stand firm with a simple order: any team that leaves the pitch in protest will be automatically disqualified. This kind of temper tantrum has to stop; it's embarrassing for the beautiful game.
Poor her. Now she has to return to Liverpool weather. Good for her. I hope she gets some playing time. Apologies if somebody has already posted this, but I found out that former Elfen player Yuna Sonoda is now playing in the Women's Eredivision for ADO Den Haag, which is based in The Hague. I love Sonoda so I hope she does well, but I fear she may be a bit too slow for football abroad. If she can get support in midfield she might be okay, because she is such a gifted and skillful player. 前半戦リーグ最下位のADO Den Haag女子チームも日本人選手を獲得😲 今季から2部への降格があるので、即戦力として期待されているのは間違いだろうが、初めて海外でプレーする選手への過度の期待は怪我が怖い🥺 園田悠奈選手、無理せず頑張ってください🤞 https://t.co/4OFR4Ie0v4— 川合 慶太郎 / Keitaro Kawai (@jdreamkawai) January 17, 2026
When Yui Hasegawa pauses and takes a good look at the box, you just know some genial cross is coming...
haven’t looked at the groups carefully but could it be a China vs Taiwan quarterfinal..? could be tasty
based on current results Quarterfinals South Korea vs Vietnam Japan vs Uzbekistan China vs Chinese Taipei Australia vs North Korea
Hi, guys, just back from work (I had a short morning today) and I should be able to watch the second half, shouldn't I?