Honoka Hayashi

Hayashi and Shimizu help Japan to victory as February international break concludes

Honoka Hayashi and Risa Shimizu both featured for Japan as they picked up their first win of the SheBelieves Cup, in what was their final group stage match.

Nadeshiko had narrowly lost against Brazil and the United States of America in their previous two outings in the competition, but they were ruthless this time around against Canada – beating them 3-0 at the Toyota Stadium in Texas. 

Hayashi was starting her first match of the tournament in a midfield that included former Hammer, Yui Hasegawa. 

Kiko Seike opened the scoring after 26 minutes, before Hasegawa converted from the spot to make it two before the break. 

Hayashi was replaced at the break – with her West Ham United teammate, Shimiuz entering the contest as the Japanese looked to continue to press their advantage. 

Juan Endo would add a third late on as Japan hopped to second in the final standing, six points behind the USA, who clinched the trophy for the sixth time. 

Elsewhere, Izzy Atkinson was an unused substitute as the Republic of Ireland drew 0-0 with China at the Estadio Nuevo Mirador stadium in Cadiz, Spain. 

Vera Pauw’s side had been on a warm-weather training camp in Marbella and faced off against a China side that are ranked 14th in the current FIFA World Rankings. 

In a game that lacked clear-cut opportunities, Ireland were left perplexed when Aoife Mannion’s header was ruled out for a foul on the goalkeeper on 63 minutes. 

A draw was a fair result though, as Ireland continue their preparations for this summer’s World Cup, which they will compete in for the first time in their history.

Those that have been away on international duty over the last week all return to training on Friday ahead of the women's team's Vitality Women's FA Cup clash with Aston Villa on Sunday 26 February!

You can buy your tickets for the match by clicking on the graphic below! 

 

Women's FA Cup v Aston Villa