The Japan women’s National team is set to face Zambia in their opening match of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup on July 22 at the Waikato Stadium.
They are in Group C which also contains, Spain and Costa Rica.
The Nadeshiko will be making their ninth World Cup appearance and will be hoping to repeat their 2011 performance when they defeated the United States of America in the World Cup final. They are the tournament’s only Asian champions.
The return of striker Riko Ueki, who missed the 2019 World Cup due to an injury, has energized the team.
The Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Beleza forward has played for the U-17, U-20, and she has made 19 appearances for the senior team, scoring 8 goals in the process.
Ueki determined to help Japan win the World Cup again
She is confident her appearance at the 2023 edition will help the team achieve the desired results.
“I was really disappointed that I didn’t get the chance right before that last World Cup….. And in order for me to see it as a positive, I have to go to the World Cup and achieve results.” Ueki told FIFA.com
“Looking back, I use that injury as a sort of motivation to get to this World Cup, even though it was a setback at the time.”
Meanwhile, the 23-year-old said the team’s main objective is to replicate their 2011 triumph.
“As a team, we are only aiming to win the Championship. So the excitement of 2011 can happen again in Japan. And as an individual, my main goal is to be involved in the World Cup first and then to score goals and help the team,” added Ueki.
The Womens World Cup will kick off from July 20 to 20 August 2023 in Australia and New Zealand.
