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Match 5 Hamilton - Waikato Stadium
weatherCode5
30 October
Japan
3:2
USA
3:2 (1:1)
  • Mana IWABUCHI (31')
  • Natsumi KAMEOKA (68')
  • Kei YOSHIOKA (74')
  • Vicki DiMARTINO (3')
  • Kristie MEWIS (51')

Referee Thalia MITSI (GRE)

Summary

Japanese genius fells favourites

Japanese genius fells favourites

A superb Japan performance produced the biggest shock of New Zealand 2008 thus far as favourites USA were beaten 3-2 in a hugely entertaining encounter. The Americans had been expected to cruise against their diminutive Asian opponents but proved no match for a Young Nadeshiko side whose superior movement and individual skill enabled them to twice them come from behind to claim victory.  ...

Highlights

Line-up

JPN
USA
Substitute(s)
Coaches
Hiroshi YOSHIDA (JPN)
(USA) Kazbek TAMBI
Officials
  • Referee: Thalia MITSI (GRE)
  • Assistant Referee 1: Romina SANTUARI (ITA)
  • Assistant Referee 2: Secim DEMIREL (TUR)
  • Fourth official: Cristina DORCIOMAN (ROU)
  • Injured

Photos

Quotes

Hiroshi Yoshida, Japan coach
This means so much to us. I'm so happy to have beaten the US, a team considered to be No1 at this tournament. But although people may be shocked at this result, I am not at all surprised that my players were able to reach this level.

Kazbek Tambi, USA coach
We're extremely disappointed. We just didn't keep the ball well enough for most of the match, although we have to give credit to Japan, who played a great match.

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    STATISTICS
    JapanStatisticsUSA
    20Shots11
    3Corner kicks6
    1Yellow cards1
    0Second yellow card and red card0
    0Red Cards0
    60%Possession (%)40%