Thanks to its domestic league, Japan has improved a great deal. Goalkeeper Nozomi Yamago has developed into a top netminder, while midfielder Homare Sawa helps orchestrate the attack. Japan's defense has experience with Rie Yamaki, Kae Nishina and Yumi Tomei having more than 40 caps each. Defender Kaoru Nagatome played solidly during an 8-0 loss to the United States in April. Japan's attack is led by forwards Tamaki Uchiyama and Nami Otake.
Japan is a technically sound team.
But it does have a disadvantage against taller, more physical teams. The games against the U.S. were not indicative of their talent. The U.S. played very well against Japan and scored a lot of goals. They were teen-agers, practically, and they've completely rebuilt that team. They've been in a big rebuilding phase with their league, and it has improved them dramatically.