Ikeda: Japan’s strong mindset key to comeback victory

Mon, 29 Jul, 2024

Ikeda: Japan’s strong mindset key to comeback victory

Paris: Head coach Futoshi Ikeda lauded Japan’s resilience and drive after they orchestrated a dramatic comeback 2-1 victory against Brazil in their Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024 Group B tie at the Parc des Princes on Sunday.

Japan struggled in front of goal for much of the match, including a missed penalty by Mina Tanaka just before the break which led Brazil snatching the lead six minutes into the second half.

However, a thrilling late rally saw captain Saki Kumagai and midfielder Momoko Tanigawa turn the tide in added time, securing a crucial victory.

The Nadeshiko are second in the standings behind world champions Spain, who defeated Nigeria 1-0 in their late fixture on Sunday.

Group B: Australia triumph in thriller against Zambia

Mon, 29 Jul, 2024

Group B: Australia triumph in thriller against Zambia

Nice: Australia produced a stirring comeback to defeat Zambia 6-5 in their Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024 Group B match on Sunday.

An exciting end-to-end game saw Australia recover from being 4-2 down at half-time to score four times in the second half to keep them in the hunt for a place in the next round.

Group C: Resilient Japan stun Brazil

Mon, 29 Jul, 2024

Group C: Resilient Japan stun Brazil

Paris: Japan came back from a goal down to defeat Brazil 2-1 in their Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024 Group B tie at the Parc des Princes on Sunday.

Substitute Jheniffer put Brazil ahead in the 56th minute but Japan came back fighting with captain Saki Kumagai equalising from the spot two minutes into second half added time before Momoko Tanikawa hit the dramatic winner six minutes later.

Japan will meet Nigeria in their final group game with Brazil taking on Spain in the other fixture.

Ikeda urges Japan to refocus

Fri, 26 Jul, 2024

Ikeda urges Japan to refocus

Nantes: Head coach Futoshi Ikeda immediately turned his attention to the next challenge after his Japan side fell to a 2-1 defeat in their opening Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024 Group C match on Thursday.

Despite going ahead through Aoba Fujino’s spectacular free-kick, Japan were pegged back by Aitana Bonmati’s strike before Mariona Caldentey found the winner for reigning world champions Spain.

Explaining his tactics, Ikeda admitted caution was a big part of the strategy but now wants a complete shift of focus as they look to get points on the board in the remaining two matches. 

Matildas will bounce back, vows Gustavsson

Sun, 28 Jul, 2024

Matildas will bounce back, vows Gustavsson

Marseille: Head coach Tony Gustavsson admitted that Australia were outclassed following their 3-0 defeat to Germany in Group B of the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024 on Thursday.

Set-pieces were a thorn in the Matildas’ side, with Germany scoring twice from headed corners before sealing victory with a second half tap-in from Juli Brand.

Group B: Australia concede to Germany

Fri, 26 Jul, 2024

Group B: Australia concede to Germany

Marseille: Australia fought hard but succumbed to a 3-0 defeat against Germany in Group B of the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024 at the Stade de Marseille on Thursday.

Marina Hegering’s towering header separated the sides going into the break before goals from Lea Schuller and Jule Brand sealed the win for Germany.

Australia face a must-win game against Zambia on Sunday to revive their campaign with Germany to play the United States on Matchday Two.

Group C: Japan denied by Spain

Fri, 26 Jul, 2024

Group C: Japan denied by Spain

Nantes: Japan put up a strong resistance but it wasn’t enough as they were defeated 2-1 by Spain in their opening Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024 Group C encounter at La Beaujoire Stadium on Thursday.

It was 4-0 to Japan when the  teams met in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 but the Nadeshiko had to play second fiddle in this game and now face a real fight to reach the next round of the competition.