“Brave” Japan beat us 2-1 to catch the Shebelieves Cup

Yuka Momiki scored in the second minute and Toko Koga shortly after the break to secure a 2-2 victory against the United States in the four Nations-Debelieves Cup Decider on Wednesday, and lifted the trophy for the first time.

Nadeshiko Japan achieved three victories of three years under the new manager Nils Nielsen when she revenge her 1-0 loss against the USA last August in the quarter-finals of the Olympic women's football football in Paris. It was their first victory against the Americans in regular time since 2012.

Nielsen praised his “extremely brave” team for adhering to her aggressive, owned strategy and dictating the game against the Olympic champion.

“(The United States) is a team that has a very strong attitude when they come to the field, and we want that too, and today I think we have coordinated them with them,” said the 53-year-old Dane.

The two unbeaten sides arrived in the Round-Robin tournament in the San Diego Snapdragon Stadium after the victories of Australia and Colombia.

Yuka Momiki (22) gives Japan the lead in the first half of her international women's football game of the Shebelieves Cup against the United States in the Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California, on February 26, 2025. (Kyodo).

Members of the Japanese women's football team celebrate their opening goal in the Shebelieves Cup on February 26, 2025 at the Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California, in the Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California.

Japan took the lead when Momiki held a challenge with her back to the goal before he started from a narrow angle in the curve.

The hosts compensate for themselves in the 14th minute when Ally Sentnor ended with assist from Catarina Macario during the break.

After Japan deserved a free kick in the 49th minute, the star playmaker Yui Hasegawa rolled a dip shot over the wall that the US goalkeeper Jane Campbell could only save away, and enabled Koga to type the winner.

The Japan midfielder Yui Hasegawa (14) will give the ball on February 26, 2025 (Kyodo) on February 26, 2025 (Kyodo) during an international women's football game by the Shebelieves.

The Japan defender Toko Koga (R) crosses the ball during an international women's football game of the Shebelieves Cup against the United States in the Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California, on February 26, 2025 (Kyodo)

Japanese captain Saki Kumagai said the players had accepted Nielsen's challenge to play their own game, regardless of the opponent or the missions.

“It was really certain that we were able to neutralize the strengths of the Americans with our transitions and press it all over,” said Kumagai.

Related cover:

Football: Momoko Tanikawa Nets Stunner as Nadeshiko Japan defeated 4-1

Football: Nadeshiko Japan Winning the Schebelieves Cup Opener against Australia