Japan women’s national team had bad luck in the first match after losing to Spain women’s national team scoring 1-2 in the Women’s Football of Olympic 2024 Group Stage, Group B at La Beaujoire, Nantes.
In the 11th minute, Spain’s goalkeeper Kata Coll rushed out to receive a long feed to the front line, but her handling was incomplete, and Tanaka retrieved the second ball. She was brought down on the right side of the penalty area, earning a free kick. Fujino took the kick and fired a curling shot with her right foot from the outside of the wall. The shot drew a beautiful arc and pierced the near side of the net, giving Japan the lead.
Japan started well, but the World Cup champions were not going to sit back. In the 22nd minute, Athena del Castillo pulled the ball out from the right side of the box and sent a through pass to Aitana Bommati, who finished calmly to bring the game back to square one.
Japan struggled to break through their own half and continued to defend against Spain’s attacks with a 4-4-2 formation. In the 39th minute, Irene Paredes took a shot from a left corner kick, but goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita made a desperate save to protect the goal. Despite enduring a long period of pressure, Japan managed to hold on, and the first half ended 1-1.
After halftime, Coach Ikeda made a change, bringing on Maika Hamano to replace Seike. In the 50th minute, Hamano shot from inside the box after Tanaka earned a free kick, but her shot was blocked by goalkeeper Coll. The game continued with Spain in control. Hamano’s introduction saw Miyazawa move to left back, and Japan responded to Spain’s attacks with a 5-4-1 system.
In the 66th minute, an unfortunate incident occurred for Japan. Mariona Caldenti dribbled through, and Shimizu collapsed, clutching her right knee. Unable to continue playing, Takahashi Hana was brought on. The defensive reshuffle saw Koga move to right fullback, Takahashi to right center back, and Minami to left center back.
Despite their efforts, Japan allowed Spain to take the lead in the 74th minute. Caldenti started dribbling from the left wing, exchanged passes with Bommati in front of the box, and entered the center of the penalty area. She avoided Takahashi’s approach and shot with her right foot, scoring the decisive goal.
Japan replaced Tanaka with Chiba in the 80th minute, seeking a way to counterattack, but they could not create any clear chances. In the 90th minute, Moriya was brought on to replace Koga, but Japan was unable to find an equalizer, ending the game with a reversal defeat.
Despite holding off Spain’s attacks well for much of the match, Japan ultimately couldn’t muster enough strength and suffered a narrow loss.
Credit Photo : RFEF
