Soccer-Japan's Ikeda wants youngsters to grow as Nadeshiko head home

Soccer Football - FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 - Quarter Final - Japan v Sweden - Eden Park, Auckland, New Zealand - August 11, 2023 Japan players huddle with coach Futoshi Ikeda after the match as they are knocked out of the world cup REUTERS/Hannah Mckay

AUCKLAND (Reuters) - Amid the regret and frustration of Japan's elimination from the Women's World Cup, coach Futoshi Ikeda sought solace in the lessons learned by his youthful team as they restored faith in the Nadeshiko project.

The Japanese failed to add another World Cup final appearance to those from 2011 and 2015 as Sweden's 2-1 victory in Auckland on Friday left many of Ikeda's players sobbing uncontrollably on the Eden Park turf.