JFA Hall of Fame Inductee

FIFA Women's World Cup Germany 2011™ Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women's National Team)

Special Selection: 19th Japan Football Hall of Fame in 2023

The Nadeshiko Japan (Japan Women's National Team), who won the FIFA Women's World Cup Germany 2011™.

After finishing second in the group stage with two wins and one loss, they defeated the host nation Germany 1-0 in extra time in the quarterfinals, before beating Sweden 3-1 in the semi-finals to reach their first World Cup final.

In the final against the tournament favourites, USA, Japan conceded the lead twice, but showed phenomenal resilience to catch up, with midfielders MIYAMA Aya and SAWA Homare scoring the equalising goals at the end of the second half and extra time, respectively. The score remained tied after extra time, and the match entered a penalty shoot-out, in which goalkeeper KAIHORI Ayumi made two spectacular saves that gave Japan its first ever title in a FIFA competition.

Team captain, Sawa, was awarded the Golden Boot for being the tournament's top scorer with five goals and the Golden Ball for being the tournament's MVP, while the team was awarded the Fair-play Award.

Prior to this competition, Japan was affected by the Great East Japan earthquake in March. Nadeshiko Japan became the first group to receive the People's Honour Award in recognition of their dedication, perseverance, and success, which gave the nation enormous bravery at a time when everyone was grieving the tragic events that had transpired earlier in the year.