Members of Japan's 2011 Women's World Cup-winning side were buoyed by the current national team's clinical 4-0 win over Spain on Monday, which saw them clinch top spot in Group C with a maximum nine points and no goals conceded.
By downing the sixth-ranked Europeans in Wellington, world No. 11 Nadeshiko Japan ensured they will stay in the New Zealand capital for Saturday's last-16 match against Norway.
After watching the match together with her 2011 teammates in Tokyo, veteran forward Nahomi Kawasumi, who joined WE League side Albirex Niigata this summer from NJ/NY Gotham FC in the United States, praised Japan's squad depth.
"They're playing good football, whoever gets picked to play," the 37-year-old said. "There are lots of options and they are exciting to watch."
The clash against Spain was a rematch of the under-20 World Cup final in 2018 when current senior team manager Futoshi Ikeda was in charge of the youngsters.
Monday's two-goal hero Hinata Miyazawa and Fuka Nagano both netted in a 3-1 win to claim the title in France five years ago, and in a sign of continuity, the pair were among seven players from that side to appear in the latest encounter.
While the number of overseas-based players in the Japanese World Cup squad reached a record-high nine this year, Monday's scorers were all drawn from the domestic WE League, with Mynavi Sendai Ladies' Miyazawa, Nippon TV Beleza's Riko Ueki and INAC Kobe Leonessa's Mina Tanaka netting.
Aya Sameshima, a defender from the 2011 World Cup-winning team, said she could sense the positive atmosphere among the current players.
"I can see the togetherness of the team and they are playing lively football," said the 36-year-old, currently at Omiya Ardija Ventus in the WE League. "I hope they can keep winning and progress."
Related coverage:
Football: Japan thump Spain 4-0 to top Group C at Women's World Cup
Football: Nadeshiko Japan expect tough World Cup clash with Spain
Football: More players overseas give Japan captain Saki Kumagai new hope
