“Attack and attack and win” Nadeshiko Japan quarterfinals

At the Tokyo Olympics, Japan's national soccer team "Nadeshiko Japan" faced Chile in the third round of the qualifying league, and made a thorough and repeated attack that made use of their unique skills to win the quarterfinals. ..

The women's soccer team at the Tokyo Olympics faced the final match against Chile with 1 loss and 1 draw after finishing 2 games in the qualifying league.

In a cliff-top match where the tournament would end if they lost, Asako Takakura replaced five starting pitchers from the second match against England and appointed Yuika Sugasawa, who did not appear in the second match, as the forward.

In the first half, Sugawara became the starting point of the attack in post play, and ace Mana Iwabuchi and others created opportunities in quick succession.

Switching between offense and defense was quick, and after the ball was stolen, multiple players put persistent pressure on them, and they did not let their opponents play freely and did not pass the flow.

In the second half, a series of aggressive players were introduced, but no points were scored, but the players continued to attack with their own soccer, making full use of passwork that made use of their highly skilled skills. ..

The attack came to fruition in the 32nd minute of the second half.

Iwabuchi, who received the ball in the penalty area, passed the pass, and Tanaka, who participated in the middle, escaped and scored the long-awaited first goal.

"I could see the keeper, so I calmly floated the ball," recalled Tanaka. Nadeshiko Japan won the tournament for the first time by defending this one point.

Despite being third in the group, he seized a small chance and advanced to the quarterfinals.

However, the challenges were also highlighted in this match.

Japan shot 21 shots throughout the match.

However, the score was limited to this one point.

To win a match against a strong man, you need to be determined to seize the few chances.

The opponent in the quarter-finals is Sweden, where coach Takakura warns that "the team is in the best condition right now."

In the qualifying league, he overwhelmed the United States, which ranked first in the world.

If you stick to the aggressive defense like the match against Chile and the attack that you are good at connecting the pass finely, and if you add higher accuracy to it, you should be able to find a win.

Iwabuchi who led the final goal Tanaka who responded

Forward Tanaka scored the final goal against Chile.

And it was Ace Iwabuchi who issued the last pass.

This one point contained the two unknown thoughts about the Tokyo Olympics.

Tanaka was expected to play an active role in the Japanese national team, such as being the top scorer in the women's domestic league for the fourth consecutive year, but missed the final member at the adult World Cup France tournament.

"I want to participate in the Tokyo Olympics at all costs"

Tanaka decided to transfer from the team he belonged to, who had won the domestic league for five consecutive times, and transferred to INAC Kobe Leonessa, to which Iwabuchi belonged at that time. did.

"If I can improve the cooperation with Ace Nobuchi-san (Iwabuchi)" I thought that I would be able to

effectively draw a pass from Iwabuchi, develop the ability to score points, and "become a player who can play an active role in the Japanese national team" ..

It was none other than Iwabuchi who bought the spirit of Tanaka.

When I assisted Tanaka in the warm-up game against Mexico last month, it was impressive that he smiled more than when he scored a goal.

After that, when asked immediately after the two of them were selected as members of the Tokyo Olympics, Iwabuchi said, "I knew how Minami (Tanaka) decided to transfer, so I was happy to get the result." I revealed it with tears.

The Olympics where two people were expected to play an active role.

However, the harsh reality is struck by this big stage.

Round 1 of the qualifying league on the 21st.

Tanaka failed in the penalty kick sent by Iwabuchi.

The team did not reach the victory and drew.

Still, after the match, Tanaka desperately turned to the front, holding back tears and regret, saying, "I couldn't decide what I was capable of. I can only carry it on my back. I want to do the rest of the match with all my strength."

And the 3rd round of the qualifying league on the 27th. Tanaka, who participated halfway from the second half, continued to play with a sense of dynamism, such as hitting a shot early in the change.

And 32 minutes. When I received the last pass from Iwabuchi, "I believed that I would definitely save myself," I calmly looked through the movement of the goalkeeper and decided the trajectory of the shot.

Two years have passed since the defeat of the representative of humiliation. The goal, which was packed with thoughts for the Japanese national team and the skills they had trained, led to the advancement to the quarterfinals for the first time in two tournaments in Japan.

Iwabuchi said, "Minami ran in a good place. I'm glad you decided."

Tanaka also said, "Mr. Buchi is looking at me. I want to continue to show my tenacious growth."

Iwabuchi who led and Tanaka who responded to it.

If the two continue to play an active role, I think we will be able to see the medals for the first time in the Japanese Championship.