After the disappointment of their drab opening-match draw against Argentina, Japan were much more like themselves in this 2-1 win over Scotland. They completely outclassed the Scots in the first half, with the goals from Iwabuchi and Sugasawa just reward for their superiority. Scotland, just as they had against England, battled back in the second period and scored an excellent late goal through Lana Clelland. But it was once again too little, too late, and only a win against Argentina will now preserve Scottish hopes.
Next up SCO-ARG, 19 June, 21:00 (local time) JPN-ENG, 19 June, 21:00 (local time)
11:4314/06
Asako Takakura, Japan coach
“It was a must-win game and, although there were tough moments, we’re very happy to get the win. We had to be aggressive and score goals, and that’s what we did. We didn’t show our true selves in the first game at this tournament but this was a lot more like the true Japan. I expect a lot of my players and today we managed to win against a wonderful Scottish team. But at the same time, we can still improve certain aspects of our game and we will keep discussing how to do that.”
11:3914/06
Mana Iwabuchi, Player of the Match
“The one thing on my mind today was to win, and everyone was the same. So we’re very happy. We thought a lot about the first match and felt a lot of responsibility. It took time for us to really pressurise Scotland today and there were some minor errors. But I think we ended up being quite effective, and achieved what we wanted.”
11:2114/06
Shelley Kerr, Scotland coach
“We conceded two bad goals through mistakes. Take those mistakes away and the game’s a lot closer. I think we saw the real Japan today – their movement was incredible, as we knew it would be. But for most of the second half we were terrific and, again, we finished very strongly. I’m immensely proud of the players. We need to build on that second half, rest up and get ready for the match against Argentina.”
11:1914/06
Japan fans show their class
They drew admirers all over for the world for clearing up after themselves at last year's FIFA World Cup, and the Nadeshiko supporters are maintaining that classy habit.
11:0414/06
Japan on top
England can climb back to the summit of Group D later but, for now, it's the Nadeshiko leading the way.
Group D
MP
W
D
L
GF
GA
+/-
Pts
JapanJPN
2
1
1
0
2
1
1
4
EnglandENG
1
1
0
0
2
1
1
3
ArgentinaARG
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
1
ScotlandSCO
2
0
0
2
2
4
-2
0
11:0114/06
Taking a bow
Japan, meanwhile, offered their traditional show of respect to the travelling Nadeshiko support.
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11:0014/06
Saluting the support
Scotland received plenty of backing in Rennes and the players were quick to acknowledge it at the end.
10:5614/06
Europe's fine run ends
Japan have become the first team from outside Europe to beat a team from the Old Continent at France 2019.
A disappointing day for Scotland here in Rennes, as the squad were unable to break down Japan until the dying moments of the game. However the squad will be quick to lift their heads in the coming days, as the there is still the chance of qualification if they can get a win against Argentina in their next match.
10:5214/06
JPN
Ai Yoshiizumi
The entire Japan team contributed in attack and defence. It was a game where the best qualities of the team came to the fore. They came under pressure in the second half, so there's still room to improve before the England match. Still, this young team will be able to put a lot of confidence into their luggage ahead of the move to Nice.
It's all over! Japan have won their first match at France 2019 and moved, for now at least, to the top of Group D. Scotland produced a spirited showing in the final 20 minutes but it proved too little, too late. The damage was done for Shelley Kerr's side in a poor first half.
88'14 Jun 2019
Lana CLELLAND (Scotland) scores!!
Scotland have a goal back! It's a cracker too, with substitute Clelland snatching on a defensive mistake to curl a left-foot shot into the top-right corner. Scotland are back in with a chance in this one!
10:4314/06
SCO
Aileen Larkin
Shelley Kerr is showing no signs of giving up at this late stage in the match, bringing on Brown in a last attempt to claim a late goal back for Scotland.
10:4314/06
JPN
Ai Yoshiizumi
Scottish pressure is mounting but Japan are defending with great concentration. Only a few more minutes to hold out.
10:4214/06
Frustration for Little
Long regarded as one of the world's best midfielders, Kim Little has struggled to exert an influence at this tournament so far. She is capable of much more.
85'14 Jun 2019
Fiona BROWN (in) comes off the bench to replace Lisa EVANS (out) (Scotland)
10:3814/06
SCO
Aileen Larkin
Jane Ross, Scotland's top scorer in qualifying, has been replaced by Fiorentina striker Lana Clelland. Although less expereince on the international stage, Lana is a player whose confidence and physicality is something that could make a difference to Scotland up front.
81'14 Jun 2019
Yui HASEGAWA (in) comes off the bench to replace Mana IWABUCHI (out) (Japan)
10:3514/06
SCO
Aileen Larkin
Normally a star player for Scotland, Cuthbert has yet to have any real impact on the game. Her usually quick and creative play is being stifled, with the Nadeshiko always seemingly one step ahead. If she wants to break through she is going to have to play off her team-mates in order to create a bit of unpredictability.
10:3414/06
Cutting edge needed
Scotland have eliminated the possession gap but are still struggling to produce efforts on the Japanese goal.
President & CEO, Caminchi Bridge Corporation. Worked with Multimedia Nova as Editor-in-Chief, Publisher and GM. TV, Film & Music Producer. Academic Director for worldwide Cyberclassroomtv.com Global Online/Distance Education, and Open Learning project
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