As media outlets across the world release their previews for the Olympic women¡¯s soccer tournament, few if any are likely to mention Nadeshiko Japan defender Saori Takarada or midfielder Honoka Hayashi.
That¡¯s just fine with the two former Cerezo Osaka Sakai Ladies teammates, both of whom have used the one-year delay of the Tokyo Games to establish themselves overseas and break into head coach Asako Takakura¡¯s squad.
Boasting a combined 14 senior caps, they are among many new faces who will be looking to steer Nadeshiko to their first medal since London 2012 ¡ª the last time Japan¡¯s women competed at the Olympics.
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