For the 450 minutes or so that Japan graced the massive stage that is the FIFA Women’s World Cup, few would argue they have not been one of the most exciting sides at the tournament.
Barring an hour or so in Friday’s quarterfinal against Sweden, where they were uncharacteristically hesitant, lacklustre and even passive.
Unfortunately for Nadeshiko, those 60 minutes were ultimately pivotal as it was the period where the Swedes would establish a two-goal lead that proved crucial in a 2-1 victory that saw them advance to the last four — despite a stirring rally from the Japanese.
With their WWC hopes fast evaporating, Japan finally got back to being Japan in the final half-hour of Friday’s contest.
They started moving the ball methodically and ventured forward with intent.
They really should have pulled one back earlier when Riko Ueki smashed a penalty off the bar. Aoba Fujino was tremendously unlucky not to score with a superb freekick that hit the post and somehow stayed out after ricocheting off the back of Sweden goalkeeper Zecira Musovic and finding the woodwork a second time.
And then when substitute Honoka Hayashi reacted quickest to pounce on a loose ball to smash an effort past Musovic in the 87th minute, it looked like an almighty comeback was on the cards. Especially when ten minutes of added time were signalled shortly after.
In the end, though, it was to be a case of too little too late for Japan.
