An extra-time winner from United States striker Trinity Rodman saw Japan exit back-to-back Olympic Games at the quarter-final stage, after an agonising 1-0 defeat in the heart of the French capital at the Parc des Princes saw them bow out of tournament.

Here is how we rated each Japan player on the occasion.

Ayaka Yamashita 7/10

Denied Lindsey Horan and Rose Lavelle in the first half and then Sophia Smith in the first period of extra time, Japan’s number one shot-stopper was powerless to stop Rodman’s stunning strike from winning the game for the United States in the first period of extra time. 

Saki Kumagai 7/10

Alongside the familiarity of her domestic AS Roma teammate, Minami, and Koga at the heart of their defence, the cool-headedness of the veteran Nadeshiko Japan captain notably kept Mallory Swanson – with three goals to her name at the 2024 Olympic Games – in her back pocket, but could not do anything about the match-winner. 

Miyabi Moriya 7/10

As solid as you would expect defensively from someone of her qualities, Moriya was not at fault for the game’s opening goal and did her job proficiently. 

Toko Koga 7/10

One of the four names reinstated against the four-time Olympic champions, the United States, Koga’s performance alongside Kumagai and Minami was exactly what you would have wanted up against the likes of the aforementioned Swanson, Rodman and Smith et al. 

Hikaru Kitagawa 6/10

Retained place in Ikeda’s side after impressing against Nigeria, however, she could be considered to have been caught out by Crystal Dunn’s awe-inspiring assist for Rodman’s winning goal. 

Moeka Minami 7/10

Recalled to the Nadeshiko Japan XI in place of Rion Ishikawa, Minami played the game in a three-pronged defensive trio alongside AS Roma teammate and captain Kumagai and Koga, defensively did what was asked of her by Ikeda. 

Fuka Nagano 7/10

Restored to the opening team sheet by Ikeda to implement an extra topping of defence against an attack-minded United States’ offence, the Barclays Women’s Super League-based player played her typical inspiring game in the middle of the park. 

Yui Hasegawa 8.5/10

A marvelled midfielder mastery by the Manchester City player, Hasegawa possessed the utmost confidence on and off the ball, setting up whenever an attack was on the cards for her teammates who were unable to breach the USWNT’s defences. 

Kiko Seike 6/10

Made way at half-time by fellow Barclays-based striker Maika Hamano – who plies their professional trade for Chelsea – after struggling to make an impact on the left of a front three including Tanaka and Fujino.

Mina Tanaka 7/10

Had her side’s solitary shot on target in the first half – which brought a smart save out of USWNT keeper Alyssa Naeher, Tanaka – before being replaced by Riko Ueki with 20 minutes left of regular time. Was Japan’s best-attacking outlet. 

Aoba Fujino 6.5/10

Making her first start since scoring a stunning set-piece strike against Spain in the opening match of the group stage, Fujino – who has recently signed on the dotted line with Barclays WSL side Manchester City was impressive despite not calling Naeher into action in the game. 

Maika Hamano 6/10

On for HT for the ineffectual non-attacking influence of Kiko Seike, Hamano could not replicate her scoring appearance against Nigeria but came close with an ambitious effort from a distance that flew only inches wide of the top corner. 

Riko Ueki 5/10

Took Tanaka’s place on the pitch after 70 minutes but the West Ham United striker was not able to produce an awe-inspiring carbon copy of her two assists against Nigeria earlier this week. 

Hinata Miyazawa 6/10

Fired into the side netting in the first half of extra time after appearing from the dugout for Fujino, but that was the only threat in front of goal from the Golden Boot winner at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Hana Takahashi: 5/10 – Came on at the start of extra time for Koga, Takahashi did not make any noteworthy performance during her short time on the pitch.