SOCCER / Women's World Cup

After one-year absence, Sawa named to Nadeshiko Japan squad for Women's World Cup

Face of the team: Homare Sawa (center) and six INAC Kobe Leonessa teammates were named to Nadeshiko Japan's 23-player roster for the 2015 Women's World Cup in Canada on Friday. The others (from left) are Shinobu Ono, Asuna Tanaka, Nahomi Kawasumi, Aya Sameshima, Yukari Kinga and Ayumi Kaihori. | KYODO

Kyodo

May 1, 2015

Homare Sawa returned to Nadeshiko Japan after a one-year absence on Friday, when the 2011 World Player of the Year was named among Norio Sasaki's holders for the Women's World Cup.

The 36-year-old Sawa, who led Sasaki's side to the title four years ago in Germany as tournament MVP and top scorer, had not been selected since the Women's Asian Cup in May last year due to poor form stemming from a number of injuries.

Sawa is headed to her sixth consecutive World Cup for the June 6-July 5 competition in Canada, which is being expanded from 16 teams to 24 and will be played on artificial turf.

After one-year absence, Sawa named to Nadeshiko Japan squad for Women's World Cup

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