Football News: Yuki Nagasato Expects Japan to Make Impact at Paris 2024 Olympics
Yuki Nagasato’s Optimism for Japan’s Women’s Football Team
Yuki Nagasato, the 36-year-old former Japan international, has experienced the highs and lows of the Nadeshiko’s journey in women’s football. From the elation of winning the 2011 World Cup to the disappointment of failing to qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics, Nagasato has been through it all.
Despite no longer being a part of the national team setup, Nagasato is eagerly awaiting the upcoming 2024 Olympics in Paris, where she expects her former teammates to make a significant impact. Nagasato, who now plays for the Houston Dash in the NWSL, believes the Nadeshiko have undergone a resurgence in recent years.
“The managerial change was a major factor,” Nagasato says. “Little by little things started to improve and from what I hear the atmosphere in the camp has changed for the better. There appears to be a feelgood factor about the team that is really bringing the best out of the players.”
The period between 2016 and 2021 was a challenging one for the Japanese national team, marked by the failed Rio 2016 qualification campaign and a lackluster performance at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. However, Nagasato believes the change in leadership, with Futoshi Ikeda taking over as the new manager, has been a crucial factor in the team’s turnaround.
In Paris, Japan have been drawn in a tough group alongside defending World Cup champions Spain, as well as Brazil and Nigeria. Despite the formidable opponents, Nagasato is cautiously optimistic about the team’s chances of reaching the knockout stages.
The increasing number of Japanese players moving abroad to play in the top European leagues has also been a significant boost for the national team, according to Nagasato. She believes this exposure to a higher level of competition has helped Japanese players develop their skills and understanding of the game.
As the Nadeshiko look to build on their recent progress and make a strong showing at the 2024 Olympics, Nagasato’s experience and insights provide valuable perspective. Fans of Japan’s women’s football team can expect an exciting and competitive performance from the Nadeshiko in Paris.
🔗 Source