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Tuesday, 7th August 2012
In Japan Sports News, Sports,
Nadeshiko to travel home in style after guaranteeing medal
The Japanese women's football team is set to travel home in more luxurious surroundings having bagged themselves a place in the Olympic finals.
Dubbed Nadeshiko after the dainty pink flower that symbolises femininity in Japan, the team have been told they will not have to sit in economy class for their return flight, the AFP reported.
The decision was reached by the Japanese Football Association following a discrimination scandal that arose when the men's less successful football side enjoyed business class accommodation on their journey to the Games.
Last year's World Cup winners Nadeshiko were merely promoted to premium economy on the same flight after the sexism case came to light.
Coach Norio Sasaki explained that the women's side will be offered better flight conditions after taking a 2-1 victory over France yesterday (August 6th).
He told Kyodo News: "When we came here we came in premium economy and there's wasn't a problem.
"The problem is when we go back there will probably not be enough business seats available. If that's the case we will be in premium again."
The men's side, comprised of under-23s, has yet to win a World Cup title but might do the country proud after reaching the semi-finals in London.
They secured a 3-0 win over Egypt to progress to the next stage, putting them in a good position to take a place on the medals podium.
However, Nadeshiko are guaranteed at least silver but the team will be gunning for gold, particularly as they are world champions.
The side had a 2-0 lead over France throughout most of the semi-finals, with their opponents narrowing the end score by one goal in the last 14 minutes.
They will compete for gold against the US on Thursday, while France will battle it out with Canada to take bronze.
Posted by Susan Ballion
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