The 2019 SheBelieves Cup featuring four of the top teams of the world started its action in USA on Wednesday 27 February. The Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women’s National Team) squared off against the USA Women’s National Team in their first match.

Facing the American side who ranks number one in the FIFA rankings, Coach TAKAKURA Asako named the national team debutantes KOBAYASHI Rikako and MATSUBARA Arisa in the starting line-up, while SUGITA Hina also made her first start after making her debut as a substitute against Australia last August.

The two sides have faced each other many times over the years and are well aware of each other’s tactics. It was USA who was the aggressor in this match to take the initiative, as a close opportunity came their way in the sixth minute, when a shot struck the goal post following a corner kick situation. USA continued to show their dominance as they penetrated the flanks and created chances by dribbling through the Japanese defence line. The opening goal came in the 23rd minute when Megan RAPINOE, who is UTSUGI Rumi’s teammate in Seattle, converted a cut back from the right side to shake the net. Despite conceding the lead, the Japanese players remained composed to showcase their persistency and kept the score intact to enter halftime......

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