Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women’s National Team), who are currently participating in the EAFF E-1 Football Championship 2025 Final Korea Republic, faced the China PR Women’s National Team (ranked 17th in the FIFA rankings) in the third matchday on Wednesday 16 July, at Suwon WC Stadium in Suwon.

Japan, ranked 7th in the FIFA rankings, opted for a 4-3-3 formation, making five changes to the starting line-up from the second match. In goal was HIRAO Chika (Albirex Niigata Ladies), behind a back four consisting of YAMAMOTO Yuzuki (Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Beleza), TAKAHASHI Hana (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Urawa Reds Ladies), ISHIKAWA Rion (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Urawa Reds Ladies), and SHIMADA Hana (Sanfrecce Hiroshima Regina). KITAMURA Miu (JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies) anchored the midfield, with NARUMIYA Yui (INAC Kobe Leonessa) and TAKIKAWA Yume (Albirex Niigata Ladies) playing as central midfielders. YOSHIDA Riko (INAC Kobe Leonessa), HIWATARI Moka (Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Beleza), and NAKASHIMA Yoshino (Sanfrecce Hiroshima Regina) formed the attacking trio up front.

Needing a win to secure the title, Japan pressed forward, creating chances through crosses from Yamamoto and aggressive runs made by Narumiya. In the 22nd minute, a vertical pass from Narumiya led to a shot by Hiwatari, but it was blocked by China PR’s WU Haiyan. Also needing a win to overtake Japan, China PR pushed forward too, but Japan’s defence, led by Takahashi and Ishikawa, held firm to contain the threat.

Head Coach Nils NIELSEN introduced KANNO Oto (Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Beleza) at the start of the second half, and the team began to build more attacking threats through Kanno’s precise distribution. In the 55th minute, Hiwatari struck a shot from Kanno’s left corner kick, but it was blocked by the opposition once again. Three minutes later, China PR’s JIN Kun unleashed a shot on goal, but Hirao managed to catch safely. In an effort to change the dynamic of the game, Japan switched to a back three, pushing Takahashi into the attacking third alongside substitute SHIOKOSHI Yuzuho (Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Beleza). In the second minute of additional time, Takahashi pounced on a defensive error and fired a shot narrowly wide to the right. She had another opportunity just two minutes later, but failed to hit the target, and the match ended in a goalless draw.

On this day, the Korea Republic Women’s National Team defeated Chinese Taipei 2–0. This resulted in Korea Republic, China PR, and Japan all finishing with five points. However, based on the tournament regulations, Korea Republic were crowned champions as they had scored the most goals in their head-to-head matches against the other tied teams.

Japan finished the tournament in third place. At the awards ceremony held after the match, Ishikawa was named the tournament's Best Defender.

Coach and Players' Comments

Nils NIELSEN, Head Coach of Nadeshiko Japan
I think it was a tough but good match. We had chances to win towards the end, but unfortunately we couldn’t capitalise on them. Many of the squad had little international experience, but everyone got the opportunity to play on the global stage, and I’m satisfied with their performances. It was the first time I had worked with 15 of the 23 players, but they all showed remarkable mental strength by fighting until the very end. We created many chances and came close in the final stages. Lastly, I’d like to highlight our captain for this tournament, Takahashi Hana, who showed outstanding leadership throughout.

DF #5 TAKAHASHI Hana (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Urawa Reds Ladies)
Honestly, we really wanted to stand on the podium together. Korea Republic showed tremendous individual strength and solid organisation as a team. But it wasn’t like we weren’t able to compete with them, so we just need to build on what we did well. Their strength also exposed our weaknesses at crucial moments, which allowed them to make a comeback, so that’s an area we must address and improve on. Of course, we wanted to win, but with many players making their international debut, this tournament has given us invaluable experience. Each of us must take what we have gained here back to our clubs and the WE League. I don’t want to overstate it by calling it a mission, but I do believe this was an important time for women's football in Japan.

DF #21 ISHIKAWA Rion (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Urawa Reds Ladies)
China PR are strong in the air, so we were particularly wary of their long balls from deep positions. Hana-san (Takahashi) dealt well with their number 20, which meant that I wasn’t pulled out of position too often, so that was good. We agreed to drop back to deal with long balls, but we also made sure that someone always pressed their centre-forward so that we weren't sitting too deep. I think we managed to challenge and cover effectively. Despite having many new players and limited time to prepare, we were able to adapt and demonstrate our coach's vision. We each need to keep improving and helping to grow the women’s game. As for the Best Defender award, I could only earn it thanks to the support and communication I had with Hana-san and the rest of my teammates.

MF #7 KITAMURA Miu (JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies)
My focus was on collecting second balls and reacting to those that went over my head. In attack, we ended up playing more long balls than usual, so I wish I had done more to position myself as a target in midfield. My first step was a bit slow, and I think my opponents had the edge in getting off the mark. I was tired, but that applies to both sides, so I know it's something I need to work on. In the first match, I was able to get on the ball more. However, against faster opponents, I need to do a better job of not only possessing the ball but also building rhythm and helping to settle our attack. This tournament made me realise that I still have a long way to go, and I’ll keep pushing myself to improve when I move to Sweden.

EAFF E-1 Football Championship 2025 Final Korea Republic

Tournament Date: Mon. 7 July - Wed. 16 July 2025
Venue: Suwon WC Stadium, Suwon/Hwaseong Sports Complex, Hwaseong
Women's Competition: Japan, Chinese Taipei, Korea Republic, China PR
Tournament information