On Monday 10 June, the Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women's National Team) played their first match of the FIFA Women's World Cup France 2019 against Argentina Women’s National Team.

In the match played at Parc des Princes, the starting line-up for Japan featured YAMASHITA Ayaka in goal, with KUMAGAI Saki, MINAMI Moeka, SAMESHIMA Aya, and SHIMIZU Risa forming the defence line. SUGITA Hina and MIURA Narumi played the defensive midfield role, while HASEGAWA Yui and NAKAJIMA Emi were positioned in the flanks. SUGASAWA Yuika and YOKOYAMA Kumi were named as the two forwards playing upfront.

It was Argentina who initiated the action through their long balls in the early minutes of the match, but Japan gradually took control by applying tight pressure from the front line. The Japanese players gave little space for Argentina to work with and forced turnovers at high positions. Consecutive opportunities were created from their side attacks in the ninth and tenth minute, but Japan failed to capitalise on their chances. Japan continued to threaten the Argentinian goal through Yokoyama’s attempt with her dribble and the mid-range shot taken by Miura, but their efforts fell short from capturing the goal. In defence, the back line led by the two centre halves, Kumagai and Minami, kept Argentina from creating any major threats. With both sides failing to come up with a goal, the match entered halftime scoreless......

＞＞READ MORE "JAPAN FA"