For the first time in over a year, Nadeshiko Japan head coach Asako Takakura has seen her players on the pitch.
But after two successive 7-0 victories against minnow opponents, it’s still not clear whether the former world champion is ready to take on the likes of the powerhouse United States or high-flying Germany in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics.
The team’s two friendlies on April 8 and 11 — against 47th-ranked Paraguay and 59th-ranked Panama, respectively — allowed Japan’s players to show what they are capable of. But Takakura wants to see more from her charges, particularly on the attack, as they prepare to contend for a gold medal on home soil beginning in July.