Japan put on a show against Chinese Taipei, playing with style and confidence for the full 90 minutes. Ranked seventh in the world, Japan controlled the game from the start and took the lead in the 22nd minute. A clever passing move involving three players ended with Miyu Yakata calmly finishing into the net. Just three minutes later, they struck again. Yume Takikawa started a move from the wing and finished it herself to make it 2-0 by halftime.
Japan kept up the pressure after the break. They brought on Mami Ueno to add fresh energy, while Chinese Taipei made no changes going into the second half. The pattern of the game stayed the same. In the 48th minute, captain Hana Takahashi burst through the defense, controlled a lofted pass with her chest, and coolly scored with her right foot. In the 70th minute, Japan added a fourth. A cross from the wing was accidentally turned into the net by Chinese Taipei captain Ying-hui Chen, resulting in an own goal. With the score heavily in Japan’s favor, Chinese Taipei used four substitutions to give more players experience. In the end, Japan’s performance made it clear why they’re seen as title favorites in the E-1 Football Championship.