Japan not in women's football at Olympics
March 7, 2016Japan, the defending silver medalists in the Olympics and the defeated World Cup finalists, have failed to qualify for this summer's Olympic Games in Rio.
In the final round of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) qualifying for the tournament, host nation Japan did not have a good start. With just one point after three matches, Japan had to win their final two matches and Australia and China had to lose their final two matches in order for Japan to have a chance at qualification.
Japan comfortably defeated Vietnam 6-1, but Australia defeated North Korea 2-1 and China won 1-0 over South Korea on Monday to secure their respective places in this summer's tournament.
Japan won the Women's World Cup in 2011. 13 players from the championship squad were suited up for the match against Vietnam, including FIFA Women's World Player of the Year finalist Aya Miyama. This is the first time that Japan has not qualified for the Summer Olympics since 2000.
Meanwhile, this is the first Olympics for Australia's women's football time since 2004, and China's since hosting in 2008.