Added 19th December 2014, 11:26 in
Check out the cool snaps and ‘Behind the Scenes’ diary of Arsenal Ladies’ trip to the invitational International Women’s Club Championships, thanks to Tom Bennett/Arsenal Magazine…
Arsenal Ladies finished their 2014 season with a 10 day trip to Japan for the International Women’s Club Championships.
The Gunners made it to the final of the competition to end their year on a high.
Thursday 27 November
Arsenal Ladies are in good spirits at Heathrow Airport as they prepare for their 12 hour flight to Japan.
Saturday 29 November
After a tiring days travel, the Ladies tuck into a traditional Japanese breakfast before hitting the training pitch at the Musashigaoka College in Saitama. In the afternoon they drop in on a nearby soccer festival, where they’re greeted by some very enthusiastic young football fans.
Sunday 30 November
Pedro Losa’s players hold a coaching session for 80 local high school students, followed by a friendly match against Musashigaoka College. The run out, which ends in 5-0 win for the Gunners, helps shake off any remaining jet lag, and the team move to a new base in Urawa in the evening – which will be their home for the tournament. The team discover they are staying in the same hotel the men’s side used during their visit to Urawa on the the 2013 Asia Tour.
Monday 1 December
A relaxed morning is followed by a visit to a local high school, where the team put on a football session. The team bus is greeted by the whole school when it pulls in, with some children shaking pompoms. The players spend the evening at the hotel unwinding with some origami.
Tuesday 2 December
The team are in a relaxed mood when they visit the stadium for the tournament opener the following night. Back at the hotel, Losa takes the team through their game plan and the players watch tapes of opponents Okayama Yunogo Belle. Japan captain Aya Miyama is identified as the greatest threat and the team work on a plan to keep her contained.
Wednesday 3 December
It’s game day. The Ladies go for a pre-match stroll, rest and make sure they’re well fuelled with a pre-match meal. The game is a high tempo affair with Arsenal’s Japan international Shinobu Ohno the star in front of her home crowd. She scores twice to give the Gunners a 2-0 win and a place in Saturday’s final. The team celebrate with a post-match meal of sushi.
Thursday 4 December
A light training session is followed by an afternoon’s sightseeing in Tokyo. The players take in panoramic views of the city form the 45th floor of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, shop in trendy Harajuku and sip a coffee overlooking the famed ‘scramble’ crossing.
Friday 5 December
Friday’s media day. Pedro Martienz Losa and Alex Scott field questions in the pre-match press conference in Tokyo, with Ohno and Kinga also speaking to reporters. The team spend the afternoon unwinding and being walked through the game plan for the final by Losa.
Saturday 6 December
Saturday’s cup final day, with the Gunners playing Sao Jose for the International Women’s Club Championship title. Arsenal get off to a bad start, going down to a goal after just four minutes. They come back at the South American champions and have chances to equalise, but can’t find a way through. A second from Sao Jose from the penalty spot on 71 minutes ends their hopes of victory, consigning the Ladies to a respectable second place. The applause from the vocal Arsenal supporters at the final whistle provides consolation to the team as they prepare to make their long journey back to London.
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