Tokyo, 8 April, /AJMEDIA/
Yui Hasegawa and Mina Tanaka each had a goal and an assist as Japan came from behind to beat Portugal 2-1 on Friday in a women’s international football friendly.
Nadeshiko Japan, making their last trip overseas before the FIFA Women’s World Cup kicks off in July, hit the winner in the 53rd minute at the Estadio D. Afonso Henriques in Guimaraes.
Hasegawa sent a superb long ball over the top that Tanaka did well to control before dinking past Portuguese keeper Ines Pereira.
Portugal, set to make their World Cup debut at the tournament in Australia and New Zealand, took the lead in the 25th minute when Ana Capeta tapped in Jessica’s pass to finish a flowing counterattack.
World No. 11 Japan leveled against the 21st-ranked hosts 10 minutes later when Tanaka outflanked the Portugal backline down the left and cut back for Hasegawa to steer home.
Japan will take on No. 15 Denmark in the second match of their European tour on Tuesday.
