Coach of the Japanese female football team, Futoshi Ikeda, was relieved to have defeated the Super Falcons in their final group game of the Paris 2024 Olympics, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Nadeshiko recovered from their loss to Spain against Brazil, scoring two late goals to grab all three points against the Brazilians who defeated Nigeria in their first game.
Japan needed at least a point at the Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes yesterday to seal their qualification to the quarter-finals but cruised to a 3-1 victory over Randy Waldrum’s side.
Goals from Maiko Hamano, Mina Tanaka and Hikaru Kitagawa meant Jennifer Echegini’s stunning strike was nothing more than a consolation for the 11-time African Champions.
Speaking about his team’s quarter final berth, the Japanes coach was delighted to have qualified from the supposed “Group of death”.
“First of all, I’m happy that we were able to get through this tough group. Even though we lost the first match, we managed to win against Brazil but the manner in which it was won made it very emotional and that made the next match difficult but we fought well. Things haven’t been easy, we had a lot of things happen with a few injuries but I’m happy to see us overcoming that and showcasing the team’s strength. Recovery is key for the next few days. At the Olympics, the best eight teams are all strong. When we face them, we will take a good look at what we can do and get in shape,” the 53-year-old said in quotes revealed by AFC.
Japan will play against the United States of America in the quarter final of the Paris 2024 Olympics on Saturday.
