Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Tokyo: Japan head coach Futoshi Ikeda has named an experienced squad of 21 players for the 2018 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in France.
The 47-year-old former Urawa Red Diamonds coach took charge of the Young Nadeshiko in 2017 and led his side to a 1-0 victory over world U-20 title holders DPR Korea, to claim Japan’s fifth AFC U-19 Women’s Championship title last year.
Japan are grouped with United States, Paraguay and Spain in Group C, and will begin their campaign against the Americans on August 6.
While Ikeda admitted Japan are in a tough group, he is confident of his team meeting their target of making the final in France.
The Japanese players, said Ikeda, are determined to make the grade for the senior team and will use the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup as a stepping stone to prove their capabilities.
“Experiencing the game at the world stage will help the players development.
“I hope that throughout the tournament the squad and the players, individually, become stronger technically and mentally.”
