AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup
Operating as a defensive midfielder, Higuchi has quietly played a role in Japan’s run to the final contributing two assists and creating eight chances in the four matches she has featured in, underlining her ability to influence the game.
For Higuchi, the journey to this stage has been shaped by years of development and early exposure to high-intensity football.
“I joined the JFA Academy when I was 13 and stayed for six years,” said Higuchi, who plays club football for Chifure As Elfen Saitama. “When I was with the U16s, we won the national championship with Chifure, so I have already experienced how tense a final can be.
“I’m very excited for this match against the world and Asian champions. Our players are quite young and for me, it’s my first time but I have teammates who have played (in finals) before. I’m confident and looking forward to the final.”
“I joined the JFA Academy when I was 13 and stayed for six years,” said Higuchi, who plays club football for Chifure As Elfen Saitama. “When I was with the U16s, we won the national championship with Chifure, so I have already experienced how tense a final can be.
“I’m very excited for this match against the world and Asian champions. Our players are quite young and for me, it’s my first time but I have teammates who have played (in finals) before. I’m confident and looking forward to the final.”
Known for her stamina and range of passing, Higuchi sees her strengths as key to helping Japan unlock defences.
“My strong point is using long balls to make a difference in attack and I have good stamina. I try to contribute to the team with these strengths.
“Individually, our players have ability and good passing skills. Our communication wasn’t perfect at first but match by match it has improved. We have more confidence now, we believe in each other and our teamwork is getting better.”
“My strong point is using long balls to make a difference in attack and I have good stamina. I try to contribute to the team with these strengths.
“Individually, our players have ability and good passing skills. Our communication wasn’t perfect at first but match by match it has improved. We have more confidence now, we believe in each other and our teamwork is getting better.”
Higuchi, however, is not only focused on overcoming the immediate challenge of DPR Korea but also on her long-term ambitions.
“My dream is to become a member of the senior national team and win the World Cup. I want to be a player who is supported by everyone.”
“My dream is to become a member of the senior national team and win the World Cup. I want to be a player who is supported by everyone.”
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