Japanese forward, Yuika Sugasawa, celebrated with teammates after scoring a penalty. (Image via: The Japan Times)

Japan 2-1 Scotland: Nadeshiko back on WC

RENNES - Japan women’s soccer team kept the hope of escaping the group stage alive, after they thrashed Scotland 2-1 on Friday (14/6) at Roazhon Park, Rennes. If they lost the match, the Japanese had to return early from 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France.

Previously, the Asako Takakura’s women had to draw a 0-0 tie against the Argentine, cornering them to the last 2 positions in their group. Therefore, the Japanese desperately needed to win the next game, which was against the Scottish.

From the beginning of the first half, the Japanese gave their all to push Scottish back. At the 7th minute Sugasawa almost hit the ball into the net, if only the shot did not go far wide.

The fruit of their pressure came at 23rd minute, when Mana Iwabuchi scored a screamer from outside the penalty box to the net, just far beyond Lee Alexander’s reach.

For the next 10 minutes, Japan pressed the Scottish hard. At 31st minute, the header from Kumagai was cancelled by Kim Little.

Victory was sealed for the Japanese's favor when Yuika Sugasawa was pulled down by Rachel Corsie inside the penalty box, exactly to Sugasawa’s scheme . Yellow card was given to Corsie. Ethiopian referee Abebe Lidya Tafesse then pointed to the spot, and Sugasawa became the executor. Sugasawa shot the ball to the left side, while Lee thwarted to the right. By the end of the first half, Nadeshiko led the match 2-0.

Starting the second half, both teams gave their all to either gain a goal or to defend their winning status. The Japanese supporters are hanging on the edge of their seats when at the 88th minute, after center back Nana Ichise made a blunder pass, Lana Clelland took the ball and hit a screamer above Yamashita’s reach. The Scottish suddenly looked livelier by the one goal.

Fortunately, the Nadeshiko managed to keep their 2-1 advantage until the end of the 90 plus 3 minute of additional time. Japan then went to the second position with hope to proceed to the last 16 with England, who thrashed Argentina by narrow score 1-0.

By the result of this match, Scotland’s fate is sealed to be eliminated from the group stage together with Argentina, who went down 1-0 against the “Three Lionesses”.

Next, the Japanese is set to face England next Thursday (20/6) at Allianz Riviera, Nice.

Source: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2019/06/15/soccer/womens-world-cup/nadeshiko-japan-back-track-2-1-win-scotland-womens-world-cup/#.XQR2-VwzbIU