Retired Yuki Nagasato Reflects On Illustrious Career
Written by Oluwaseun Oyediji
Former Japanese international, Yuki Nagasato has looked back at her career after hanging her boot earlier this year.
More Details
She retired at the age of 37 after playing in Japan, Germany, England, Australia, and United States of America (USA).
Despite her many exploits at club level, it is perhaps on the international stage where Yuki Nagasato made the biggest impact.
After debuting with the Nadeshiko at just 16, her first World Cup appearance came as a 19-year-old at China 2007.
“I didn’t have a defined style back then and I didn’t even know what I should be doing to best contribute to the team,” she remembered of her early days with the national side in an interview with FIFA.com.
“I ended up playing with a real hell-for-leather approach. The World Cup wasn’t just a dream to me. It was something real, an opportunity to put myself to the test and develop as a player.”
Despite taking four points from matches with England and Argentina in Group A, a final-day bout with Germany – then reigning world champions – would prove too large a task for Nagasato and Co, as the Europeans ran out 2-0 winners.
“I honestly didn’t see any scenario in which we beat them,” Nagasato admitted.
“It was obvious how far we were behind them in terms of strength, speed, decision-making… everything. That tournament was the first time I remember feeling helpless and thinking that there was no way we could lay a glove on our opponents.”
Things were different four years later, however. The immensely talented class of 2011 were forged on steel and spirit, and advanced through the group stage with a game to spare.
“We thought about the meaning of taking to the pitch even when things were difficult for the team. All of us shared a single sense of purpose: to do what we could for Japan,” Nagasato said of the squad’s team spirirt.
- Liam Rosenior Reveals January Plan For The Blues
- Carrick Challenges Squad To ‘Adjust’ As He Plays Down January Spending Spree
- Official: Fabrice Bocquet Is New Al Ahli CEO
- Kristian Fletcher: FC Cincinnati Land Highly-Rated Forward
- MLS: Edelman Joins St. Louis City SC In Blockbuster Trade
Having finished second in the group, they then overcame hosts Germany after extra time in a breathless Lower Saxony showdown, before coming from behind to beat Sweden 3-1 to reach the final.
Their opponents in that historic match were the overwhelming favourites USA. The Americans were able to impose their style on the game from the first whistle, and opened the scoring in the 69th minute through Alex Morgan. But Japan refused to give up, displaying a level of tenacity that won over many observers, equalising through Aya Miyama to take the game to extra time.
Abby Wambach restored the US’ lead, but Homare Sawa’s dramatic back-heel flick stunned the American defence and brought the score to 2-2 with three minutes to go.
A dramatic penalty shootout followed, which the Nadeshiko would eventually win 3-1. Japan stood at the top of the world.
Players embraced as the stadium shook with noise. Confetti streamed down from the sky, falling like golden rain on to the glittering trophy. Nagasato stood at the podium, a wide smile running between her flushed cheeks.
“I didn’t play as well as I know I could, but the team won. We were the champions,” she said.
“For me, the tournament reinforced the importance of winning as a team rather than doing everything my way. We were a team that simply refused to give up. Even when I wasn’t on-song, someone would be there to support me and help me figure out what I could do for the collective.
The Nadeshiko’s success changed the Japanese women’s game, turning it into a social phenomenon. The players were far from done, however, and had already set their sights on the next challenge.
Read Also – Goal Line Technology: Cursory Look At Efficacy Since Introduction
The Nadeshikos also reached the final of 2015 Worl Cup as defending champions only for the USA to avenge their earlier loss to the same opponents.
Nagasato played for Nippon TV Beleza, Turbine Postdam, Chelsea FC, Wolfsburg Frankfurt, Chicago Red Stars, Brisbane Roar, Hayabusa Eleven, Racing Louisville, and Houston Dash before retirement.
She won the league and Champions League title with German side, Potsdam.
Looking back, Nagasato will be proud of her career after retirement.
Do you have story tips?
Kindly Email: keepup@bettitude.com
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube
About Author
