Iwabuchi Mana left out as Nadeshiko Japan announce 23 for FIFA Women's World Cup 2023
The three-time World Cup striker fails to make the cut for coach Ikeda Futoshi as the 2011 champions aim to return to relevance in Australia and New Zealand.
Football
Three-time FIFA Women’s World Cup star Iwabuchi Mana did not make the cut as the Japan Football Association named its 23 for Australia and New Zealand on Tuesday (13 June).
Iwabuchi was part of Nadeshiko Japan’s 2011 World Cup-winning squad in Germany at the age of 16, and had been integral at the ensuing two World Cups in 2015 and 2019.
The 30-year-old pint-sized striker was loaned out to Tottenham Hotspur from Arsenal in January, hoping to secure increased minutes ahead of the 20 July-20 August tournament.
She was, however, limited to 10 appearances without scoring a single goal in North London.
Japan coach Ikeda Futoshi defended his selection, saying he considered various factors in making his final decision the night before.
Ikeda made it clear he did not omit Iwabuchi, who has 37 goals in 90 caps, for the sake of shaking up the team who are currently ranked 11th in the world.
“First things first, I would never drop a player just to give the team a shot in the arm,” Ikeda said at a press conference where he rattled off the 23 names.
“I chose these 23 because I felt like they give us the best chance for the World Cup at this particular point in time.
“I respect all the players. I wish everyone the best and continued improvement as footballers.”
Immediately after the squad was announced, Iwabuchi took to Twitter seeking support for the Nadeshiko who are in Group C with Costa Rica, Zambia and Spain.
“I am not a member this time around but I hope to leave my spirit with the team,” she said. “I ask you all to support Nadeshiko Japan.”
Iwabuchi’s omission leaves captain and centre-half Kumagai Saki as the last remaining hold-over from the 2011 champions, who dramatically won the title in the aftermath of the M9.1 Great East Japan Earthquake that devastated the country.
Japan play a home friendly in Sendai on 14 July against Panama before flying into New Zealand for the first game versus Zambia on the 22nd.
Iwabuchi Mana will not be appearing at a fourth Women's World Cup this summer.
Japan squad for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023
Goalkeepers: Yamashita Sayaka (INAC Kobe Leonessa), Hirao Chika (Albirex Niigata Ladies), Tanaka Momoko (NTV Tokyo Verdy Beleza)
Defenders: Kumagai Saki (Roma), Miyake Shiori (INAC), Shimizu Risa (West Ham United), Seike Kiko (Urawa Reds Ladies), Moriya Miyabi (INAC), Minami Moeka (Roma), Ishikawa Rion (Urawa), Takahashi Hana (Urawa)
Midfielders: Naomoto Hikaru (Urawa), Hasegawa Yui (Manchester City), Sugita Hina (Portland Thorns), Hayashi Honoka (West Ham), Nagano Fuka (Liverpool), Miyazawa Hinata (Mynavi Sendai Ladies), Endo Jun (Angel City FC), Fujino Aoba (Beleza)
Forwards: Tanaka Minami (INAC), Chiba Remina (JEF United Chiba Ichihara Ladies), Ueki Riko (Beleza), Hamano Maika (Hammarby IF)