After nine years away from the Olympic stage, Nadeshiko Japan is back — and hopeful of its chances to seize the gold medal that got away at Wembley Stadium.
Head coach Asako Takakura unveiled her 18-woman squad for the upcoming Tokyo Olympics on Friday, putting her faith in these players to outdo a Nadeshiko side once considered among the best in the world.
“Women’s soccer around the world is leveling up quickly. There are a lot of teams that play a very physical game, but we have to remember to play to our strengths," Takakura said. "The Nadeshiko Japan that achieved results at the very top of the world in 2011, 2012 and 2015 was a miracle side, and in order to overcome them the players have to fight as one."