Nadeshiko Japan eased to a confident 7-0 win over Panama on Sunday, capping off a goal-filled international break that served as a key tune-up ahead of the Summer Olympics.
Urawa Reds striker Yuika Sugasawa notched two of her three goals during an explosive first half at Tokyo’s National Stadium, with Tokyo Verdy Beleza defender Risa Shimizu, AC Milan midfielder Yui Hasegawa and OL Reign striker Yuka Momiki all joining her on the scoreboard before the halftime whistle.
“We had a lot of possession in the first half and they drew back, but we attacked from the side, took mid-range shots and found variations,” Nadeshiko head coach Asako Takakura said. “We played better than we did in the first half against Paraguay (in Thursday’s 7-0 win) and everyone came into the game with a stronger focus on scoring goals.”