Ratings: Japan thrash India in AFC Women's Olympic Qualifiers

India were completely devastated in the second half.

India suffered a crushing 7-0 loss to Japan in their AFC Women’s Olympic Qualifiers Round 2 clash at the Lokomotiv Stadium, Tashkent on Thursday. The Blue Tigresses did a decent job in neutralizing Japan in the first half to only one goal, scored by Yoshino Nakashima in the 17th minute.

However, the gates were totally opened in the second half. Japan scored six goals, including five in the space of nine minutes. The likes of Nakashima (47’), Honoka Hayashi (53’), Mina Tanaka (54’), Miyabi Moriya (56’) and Kiko Seike (73’) all got in the scoresheet in a dominant display for Japan.

Here are the player ratings from the game.

India (by Uttiyo Sarkar)

Shreya Hooda – 5.0

Hooda had a real mixed-bag of a game. She should have done a lot better in saving at least a few of the second-half goals. But the goalkeeper also made a few impressive reflex saves that ensured the scoreline wasn’t in double digits.

Dalima Chhibber – 4.5

The right-back was tormented in the second half with Japan persistently creating through her side. Unable to do much to save her side and often caught in bad positions.

Sweety Devi – 3.0

Sweety was pretty solid in the first half but got completely outwitted by the Japanese forwards after that. Caught out of position for many goals and made poor errors, especially when deflecting their seventh into the goal.

Ashalata Devi – 5.0

The experienced defender was probably the strongest one, but even she fell prey to Japan’s creative attacks. Too aggressive at times and caught in bad positions that ruined the defensive shape.

Shilky Devi – 4.5

Failed to keep up with Japan’s blistering pace and couldn’t protect the defence from their relentless attacks.

Ritu Rani – 3.0

Ritu was totally exposed at the back and could not read Japan’s moves at all. Often lost her marker and failed to make the key challenge to avert trouble, with many goals coming from her side.

Sanju – 4.0

Sanju was run ragged by Japan’s rapid movement down her side. Did a decent job in the first half, but completely broke down after the break and invited pressure for many of the goals with her shaky defending.

Sangita Basfore – 5.0

Sangita tried her best to restrict Japan’s attacks by launching tackles and winning quite a few duels. But she lost her head in the second half and was unable to protect her teammates.

Indumathi Kathiresan – 6.0

Worked hard defensively to cut out a few attacks but couldn’t really find opportunity to showcase her creative skills.

Anju Tamang – 6.0

Tamang made a few nice runs with the ball, but was barely able to bring it to the opposition box to trouble the keeper. Had a late attempt from close range saved.

Bala Devi – 4.5

Isolated in the opposition half and barely able to influence anything promising against a sturdy Japan backline.

Substitutes

Soumya Guguloth – 5.5

Got only a few touches in the opposition box.

Priyangka Devi – 5.5

Brought a bit more sturdiness to India’s shape after coming on.

Dangmei Grace – N/A

Couldn’t work her magic in the Japanese box.

Manisa Panna –  N/A

Troubled by the Japanese attacks down the right side.

Ranjana Chanu – N/A

Couldn’t make a major impact in her short cameo.

Japan (By Gourav Samal)

Hika Hirao - 6.0

The goalkeeper had limited involvement throughout the match as the Japanese team consistently dominated possession and maintained relentless attack at the opponent's end.

Shiori Miyake - 6.0

Shiori also had too little to do in the match as the ball was rarely moved to Japan’s end by Indian forwards. 

Hana Takahashi - 6.0

Like Shiori, Hana also had few responsibilities during the match. However, she was frequently observed transitioning towards the midfield and delivering short passes on occasion.

Miyabi Moriya - 6.5

Miyabi made significant contributions on both ends of the pitch. Scored a goal and even provided crucial defensive support whenever her team required it.

Rion Ishikawa - 7.0

Rion consistently made significant contributions in the midfield by delivering well-timed crosses. She assertively penetrated the Indian defence line to create scoring opportunities.

Saki Kumagai - 7.5

The player demonstrated great influence by successfully executing several crucial passes into the Indian penalty area. She effectively complemented her teammates in midfield, but was substituted in the second half.

Hina Sugita - 6.5

Hina displayed commendable positioning on the field, however, more proficiency in ball control and a greater number of decisive touches could have resulted in additional goal conversions. 

Hikaru Naomoto - 7.5

Hikaru was an engine in the midfield, making important interceptions and blocks, and also threading important passes to help facilitate Japan’s attack.

Yui Hasegawa - 7.0

Hasegawa created several opportunities and was highly effective in her coordination with Yoshino and Mina in the forward line.

Yoshino Nakashima - 7.5

In the 17th minute of the match, Yoshino successfully netted the opening goal for the Japanese team. Throughout the game, she adeptly generated multiple opportunities for her team, but regrettably, none of them were successfully converted. Scored a second in the 47th minute.

Mina Tanaka - 8.0

Mina successfully netted the fourth goal for Japan before being replaced by Remina Chiba. She demonstrated tactical prowess in the forward position and managed to generate a multitude of scoring opportunities.

Substitutes

Fuka Nagano - 7.0

Fuka seamlessly took over Saki's position in the midfield and immediately made a significant impact with an impressive performance for the Japanese team.

Honoka Hayashi - 7.5

Honoka entered the game and quickly managed to score her first and Japan's third goal of the match. Although she provided assists on a few occasions, unfortunately, none of them were converted into goals.

Remina Chiba - 7.5

In the 64th minute, Remina replaced Mina on the field. From that moment onwards, it was evident that Remina seamlessly adapted to the game, demonstrating the same level of skill. She continuously posed a threat to the Indian defence line.

Kiko Seike - 7.0

Seike successfully netted the sixth goal of the match, thanks to a remarkable assist by Yui.