Japan is aiming to reclaim the FIFA Women’s World Cup title at this year’s edition, which is set to be held in Australia and New Zealand from July 20th to August 20th.
The 2011 winners will face debutants, Zambia in their opening match on July 22nd, at the FMG Stadium Waikato in New Zealand.
Nadeshiko Japan have participated in the World Cup on eight occasions. They are the only Asian team to have won the tournament.
Japan reached the last 16 at the 2019 edition before losing to the Netherlands 2-1. They are now seeking redemption this year.
Meanwhile, Midfielder Yui Hasegawa believes that they need to improve in many areas before going into the women’s World Cup.
“We must reach the final if we think about the future of Japanese women’s football,” she told Kyodo news agency. “But if I’m asked how realistic it is for us to get there right now, there are lots of areas where we are lacking.”
Hasegawa said that her side can make up for their shortcomings by playing with tenacity.
“I want to be conscious of what we need to win even if we are not dominating games….. Being tenacious and the way of playing that is required and unique to tournaments,” she said.
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This year’s Women’s World Cup will feature 32 teams, the first edition ever.
Japan is in Group C alongside Costa Rica, Zambia, and Spain.
