We would end the year on a positive note: Sasaki

Japan coach Sasaki Norio is looking to end his team’s season on a positive note on Thursday when Japan play Nigeria at Fukuda Denshi Arena in Chiba in the second game of a two-game series.

Following Sunday’s 2-0 win in Game 1 at Isahaya, Nagasaki Prefecture, Sasaki has an almost completely changed squad for Thursday’s second meeting, which is their last scheduled match this year.

The squad for Thursday’s game includes six newcomers while three veterans – Miyama Aya, Ogimi Yuki and Kawasumi Nahomi – are retained from Game 1. With the Nadeshiko looking to add depth to their squad in the countdown to the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Sasaki is expected to use a number of new or less-experienced players in the Chiba game.

“We have had some good training so far,” Sasaki said on Wednesday evening.

Sasaki has worked with a total of 41 players including 12 new faces for the two-game series.

“The players showed a spirited performance over the last two days and have concentrated well,” Sasaki said. “I want to use as many players as I can today.”

Asked about Nigeria, Sasaki said, “They have developed their ability to move the ball around more than before and seem to be aiming to play high quality football with short passes. They have good potential to develop more and more.”

The Japan boss said he is expecting a harder game this time.

“They should have better fitness than in the first game after having spent some time in Japan,” he noted.

Japan forward Ohno Shinobu, who has joined the squad for the second game in Chiba, said the Nigerians are not an easy side to play.

“It’s not going to be easy as they will be determined in this game,” she pointed out.

“They have speed in their game, too. We should focus on what we have to do in the game.”

Sasaki is looking for a good finale to the year: “Since this is our last match this year, I hope we can have a good game that will wrap up the year and put us on track for next year and the year after.”