On Thursday 16 February, the Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women's National Team) lost 1-0 to the Brazil Women's National Team in their first match of the SheBelieves Cup.

Head Coach IKEDA Futoshi decided to use a three-back formation with MIYAKE Shiori, KUMAGAI Saki, and MINAMI Moeka forming the defence line in their first match of 2023. UEKI Riko, MIYAZAWA Hinata, and FUJINO Aoba were positioned as the three attackers up front, with SUGITA Hina, who currently plays in the US, positioned on the left side. For the first time since Japan's match against Korea Republic in July 2022, goalkeeper TANAKA Momoko started the match.

Although Japan did well to contain the Brazilian offence in the early minutes, they struggled to create chances themselves. Miyazawa, HASEGAWA Yui, and Sugita connected passes to create an opportunity in the 12th minute, but the shot taken by Ueki was blocked by the opposing defender. .....

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