Honoka Hayashi and Risa Shimziu were both in action for Japan on Thursday evening in the SheBelieves Cup, as they lost 1-0 to Brazil at the Exploria Stadium in Orlando, Florida.
Japan headed into the tournament as the lowest ranked side in the current FIFA World Rankings. (eleventh), behind their opponents Brazil who sit ninth, Canada who sit sixth, and the United States of America who currently top the standings.
Defender Shimizu started the clash against Seleção in the opening match of the invitation tournament which is taking place for the eighth time.
In a match that saw limited chances for either side, it would be Brazil that would strike in the second half to take all three points – with Kansas City Current forward Debinha Miri finding the back of the net on 72 minutes.
Hayashi came off the bench, replacing former Hammer Yui Hasegawa and played 24 minutes of the fixture.
Japan will face the USA on Sunday 19 February (8:30pm GMT) in their next match, before taking on Canada on Wednesday 22 February (9pm GMT) in their final outing of the competition.
Elsewhere, Mel Filis and Anouk Denton were both unused substitutes as England U23s could only draw 0-0 with Spain in a behind closed friendly match at St George’s Park.
Neither side could create a clear-cut chance in the first half, but it was the visitors who produced the better openings in the second period, but England goalkeeper Lucy Thomas made important saves to keep it goalless.
Next up for the U23s is a clash with Belgium at Prenton Park, home of Liverpool Women on Monday 20 February (7pm GMT).
Tickets for the FA Cup clash with Aston Villa are available now and can be purchased by clicking on the graphic below!
