Meanwhile, Australia and China PR endured tough outings as the women’s international calendar came to a close after a hectic yet exciting 2023.
Japan get valuable exposure
The Nadeshiko flew out to Brazil for two matches against the South American giants, the first of which was a thrilling 4-3 defeat last Thursday where a stoppage time winner from Priscila Flor gave the hosts the win.The result was reversed in the second match played on Sunday with Japan notching a 2-0 win thanks to goals from Moeka Minami (17th) and Mina Tanaka (19th).

Japan will meet DPR Korea in a two-legged playoff in February with the winners to earn a ticket to the Paris Olympic Games. FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 semi-finalists Australia faced Canada twice, losing 5-0 and 1-0 with Tony Gustavsson choosing to give exposure to unfamiliar faces, especially in the first match.

Australia will meet Uzbekistan for a place in the Paris Olympic Games.China PR stand tall against USA
Similarly China PR were also at the wrong end of a pair of results against the United States with the Steel Roses losing 3-0 and 2-1, with Shan Mengyu the only goalscorer for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022™ champions.

Bangladesh, meanwhile, claimed two victories against Singapore, winning 3-0 and 8-0.