Japan were lacklustre in their surprise draw with Argentina and need to lift themselves against Scotland today Lucy Nicholson/ReutersThe Japanese word nadeshiko refers to a pink carnation found in the country’s mountains. It also describes a romanticised idea of Japanese womanhood: silent, still and picture-perfect. Somewhat incongruous, then, that nadeshiko is the nickname of the national football team who, eight years ago, were world champions. Far from delicate mountain blossoms, Nadeshiko were tenacious and powerful. They also became a focal point of national hope and optimism, as their victory came just months after a devastating earthquake and tsunami in Tokyo…

Source: The Times June 13, 2019 23:48 UTC