First leg between Nadeshiko Japan and DPR Korea ends in a scoreless draw – Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024 Asian Qualifiers Final Round

The first leg of the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament Paris 2024 Asian Qualifiers final round between Nadeshiko Japan and DPR Korea ended in a scoreless draw on Saturday, 24 February. The match, held at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, showcased Japan’s aggressive play despite the scorching 31-degree Celsius heat. Japan’s head coach Futoshi IKEDA set up his team in a 4-3-3 formation, with players like YAMASHITA Ayaka, KUMAGAI Saki, and TANAKA Mina making key contributions.

In the first half, Japan took the offensive lead with player Ueki winning a corner early on, but DPR Korea’s goalkeeper PAK JU MI denied any scoring opportunities. The second half saw DPR Korea stepping up their game, with Japan’s defence holding strong against their attacks. Despite Japan making tactical substitutions, including NAKASHIMA Yoshino and TANIKAWA Momoko, DPR Korea came closest to scoring when KIM KYONG YONG’s header hit the crossbar.

Looking ahead, the second leg, crucial for securing a spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics, will be held at Japan National Stadium on Wednesday, 28 February. Coach IKEDA emphasized the need for improved teamwork and strategic adjustments for the upcoming match. Players like KUMAGAI Saki and KOGA Toko acknowledged the tough battle and expressed optimism for the next game.

Overall, the hard-fought first leg ended in a stalemate, setting the stage for an exciting and competitive second leg as both teams aim to secure their ticket to Paris.

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Zora Əhmədov

Zora Əhmədov, our dedicated statistician and lover of small leagues, is the analytical mind behind Asia.futbol's in-depth statistical analyses. Hailing from Azerbaijan, Zora's expertise lies in uncovering the hidden gems and untold stories within the lesser-known football leagues across Asia. With a sharp focus on numbers and an encyclopedic knowledge of the game, Zora's articles provide readers with a fresh perspective on the statistical side of Asian football.

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