Which coach led Japan to the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup title?

Norio Sasaki led Japan to the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup title.

Sasaki became head coach of Japan’s women’s national team in 2008 after serving in coaching and development roles. His team, known as Nadeshiko Japan, reached the 2011 tournament final in Germany after upsetting the host nation in the quarter-finals and defeating Sweden in the semi-finals.

Japan faced the United States in the final in Frankfurt on July 17, 2011. After a 2–2 draw through extra time, Japan won 3–1 on penalties to claim its first Women’s World Cup. Homare Sawa scored in extra time and won the Golden Boot and Golden Ball, but she was a midfielder and captain rather than the coach.

Sasaki later guided Japan to Olympic silver in 2012 and another World Cup final in 2015. Asako Takakura succeeded him in 2016, which is why she can be confused with the coach of the 2011 champions.