Members of Japan's 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup-winning side were buoyed by the current national team's clinical 4-0 win over Spain on Monday, which saw them clinch top spot in Group C with a maximum nine points and no goals conceded.
By downing the sixth-ranked Europeans in Wellington, world No. 11 Nadeshiko Japan ensured it will stay in the New Zealand capital for Saturday's last-16 match against Norway.
After watching the match together with her 2011 teammates in Tokyo, veteran forward Nahomi Kawasumi, who joined WE League side Albirex Niigata this summer from NJ/NY Gotham FC in the United States, praised Japan's squad depth.