Trinity Rodman’s extra time winner showed the Nadeshiko a painful exit at the quarter-final stage in what was a repeat of the London 2012 gold medal match where once again the United States emerged as the victors.
However, it was undeniably the Americans’ toughest match at the Paris Games so far with Japan having chances of their own to win the tie, a performance that left Ikeda with a bittersweet feeling.
“It’s unfortunate that the players’ hard work did not pay off,” said Ikeda. “I’m happy that they fought to the end, and were able to show that they are a great team.
“Each player has grown. We all fought with a sense of unity. Our journey has ended here, but the Nadeshiko will continue.
“The Olympics is a big passion for the Japanese people and I would have loved to show them how we fought in one or two more games.”
Japan started Paris 2024 with a 2-1 defeat to world champions Spain before a stoppage time comeback secured them a 2-1 win over Brazil which was then followed by a clinical 3-1 victory against Nigeria that booked their place in the knockout stage.
The semi-finals will see the United States taking on Germany and Brazil facing Spain, two ties that are a repeat of the group stage matches.
