As media outlets across the world release their previews for the Olympic women’s soccer tournament, few if any are likely to mention Nadeshiko Japan defender Saori Takarada or midfielder Honoka Hayashi.
That’s just fine with the two former Cerezo Osaka Sakai Ladies teammates, both of whom have used the one-year delay of the Tokyo Games to establish themselves overseas and break into head coach Asako Takakura’s squad.
Boasting a combined 14 senior caps, they are among many new faces who will be looking to steer Nadeshiko to their first medal since London 2012 — the last time Japan’s women competed at the Olympics.