Nadeshiko Japan marked another impressive victory by defeating Colombia 4-1 during the second match of the SheBelieves Cup held on February 24, 2025, at Glendale, USA. Coming off from their triumph over Australia, where they won 4-0, Japan aimed to continue this momentum against Colombia, currently ranked 21st by FIFA.
The match opened with excitement as Nadeshiko's midfielder Momoko Tanikawa made history by scoring just 18 seconds after the kickoff, executing a stunning long-range shot from nearly 30 meters out. This remarkable goal set the tone for the match right from the start and showcased her skill and confidence on the ball. "I thought I would aim for the goal throughout the match, and since I was free, I decided to shoot. I saw the ball's path and realized it went in," she recalled after the match.
Following Tanikawa's explosive start, the Japanese team extended their lead just eight minutes later. Utilizing her playmaking abilities, Tanikawa assisted forward Minami Tanaka with a corner kick, which Tanaka skillfully converted with her head, marking her second consecutive goal of the tournament. This offensive prowess demonstrated Nadeshiko Japan's effectiveness and adaptability on the field.
Although Colombia managed to score one back late in the first half through Linda Caicedo, the Japanese squad maintained their composure and continued pressing. After halftime, Nadeshiko Japan responded to the challenge with renewed energy. Substitute Maika Hamano added another goal at the 57-minute mark, utilizing her speed to net Japan's third goal off Tanaka's assist.
To cap off the scoring, Tanaka earned and converted a penalty kick at the 80-minute mark, solidifying her status as a key player and again demonstrating the offensive depth of the team. This 4-1 victory not only highlights Japan's formidable capability but also strengthens their confidence leading to their next match against the United States.
Nadeshiko Japan’s head coach, Nils Nielsen, expressed optimism following the win: "We wanted to enter these matches with confidence and are excited to continue performing well." This reflects the team’s cohesive strategy and strong support from their coaching staff.
This win puts Nadeshiko Japan on course for their tournament objectives, particularly as they prepare for the challenging match against the U.S. on February 26, where they hope to demonstrate their continued growth and competitiveness on the international stage.
With performances like these, Nadeshiko Japan not only reaffirms their status as one of the top teams globally but also instills hope and excitement among fans and supporters who are eager to see their progression as they aim for success.