LEVERKUSEN, Germany (AFP) ? Japan coach Norio Sasaki says his 'Nadeshiko' are finally beginning to bloom after reaching the quarter-finals of the women's World Cup with a sensational 4-0 demolition of Mexico.
Skipper Homare Sawa's hat-trick and a first-half Shinobu Ohno goal ensured the team nicknamed 'the Nadeshiko' -- a pink flower symbolising grace and beauty -- remain unbeaten after two games.
They have a maximum six points to top Group B after beating New Zealand 2-1 in their opener, with their next opponents England having one foot in the last eight as they sit second on four points.
"In recent months our players have been very aggressive in all matches, even in friendlies," said Sawa.
"Our improvement will not stop and I'm confident our game can get even better. The Japanese players were consistent throughout the match and this was good.
"We are improving step by step," said Sasaki, whose side after through to just their second quarter-finals after 1995.
"The team were much, much better against Mexico than New Zealand and we will be even stronger against England."
Sasaki particularly appreciated the teamwork shown against Mexico with Saha teaming up with Aya Miyama to score.
"Individual players didn't try to show off her individual skills but played as a team and that was good."
Sasaki described it as "an honour to be now counted among the contenders" but admitted there were a few things to be sorted out against England now that they are assured of a place in the last eight.
"They (the team) are not 100 percent. It was positive today but there are mistakes in the passing and coordination."
Japan play England in Augsburg on Tuesday looking to finish top of their group, which will decide whether they play France or Germany, who have already booked their places in the knock-out rounds from Group A.
"The next match will be a very fine tool to see whether we will be able to express our own style of football. The match against England will be very important for us."
And he heaped praise on inspirational midfielder Sawa, the country's record 168-capped player, who has now achieved a Japanese record of three World Cup goals for 78 international goals.
"She's an excellent performer in terms of technique and skills and I have high expectations for her in the future."
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