Japan's coach urges the team to be "proud" after its elimination from the World Cup.

The Nadeshiko were considered contenders for the championship after cruising through the group stage with three victories out of three, including a 4-0 rout of Spain, and defeating Norway in the round of 16.

A victory over Sweden in Auckland would have set up a rematch with Spain, but Ikeda's team fell short at Eden Park after falling behind by two goals early in the second half and attempting a late revival.

"We m....