On Friday 27 June, Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women’s National Team), currently ranked seventh in the FIFA rankings, faced the second-ranked team, Spain, in an international friendly held at Butarque Stadium in Madrid.

Japan lined up in a 4-3-3 formation for this match. In goal was YAMASHITA Ayaka (Manchester City) supported by a defence consisting of MORIYA Miyabi (Angel City FC), KUMAGAI Saki (London City Lionesses), KOGA Toko (Feyenoord), and KITAGAWA Hikaru (BK Hacken). MIURA Narumi (Washington Spirit) anchored the midfield, flanked by MIYAZAWA Hinata (Manchester United) and MATSUKUBO Manaka (North Carolina Courage). Up front, FUJINO Aoba (Manchester City), TANAKA Mina (Utah Royals), and HAMANO Maika (Chelsea) formed the attacking trio. Kumagai wore the captain’s armband.

Spain dominated possession from the outset and dictated the tempo, but Japan responded with a compact and disciplined zonal defence. In the ninth minute, Tanaka played a through ball to Hamano, who broke down the right flank and delivered a cross for Matsukubo to meet, creating Japan’s first real opportunity. .....

🔹試合終了🔹

🏆国際親善試合
🇯🇵なでしこジャパン 1-3 スペイン女子代表🇪🇸

⌚️4:00(🇯🇵)
📱ABEMAにて生配信#BEYOURBESTSELF #最高の自分であれ#夢への勇気を #なでしこジャパン#jfa #daihyo #nadeshiko #サッカー日本代表 pic.twitter.com/hxDzmrAt9L

— JFAなでしこサッカー (@jfa_nadeshiko) June 27, 2025

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