Takakura paid tribute to an Australian side that has lost just once in over a year, as well as her own team’s even spread of talent and togetherness

“I am very happy with the results and I would like to thank our players who have qualified for the final against Australia, who are one of the best teams in the world now,” said the serene tactician.

“I’m happy to face one of the great teams in the world in the final.

“I have belief in all my players. I have some plans in my head now, but I’d like to think we will come together as 23 players and the staff to make one team, and I’d like to show a great match against Australia.”

Despite a glittering career spanning 15 years, an Asian title eluded Takakura as player, with her time in the Nadeshiko shirt coinciding with the all-conquering China PR sides of the 1980s and 90s.

Now on the verge of claiming her first major international honour as a head coach, the former midfield star sees lifting the trophy as her responsibility to the Nadeshiko’s proud history, rather than adding to her own list of achievements.

“This is my first title match other than the E-1 (EAFF) Championship, which Australia didn’t play, however it doesn’t really matter who is the national team coach of Japan,” she said.

“Obviously I am now the coach, but we have a long history of Nadeshiko, and if we can win another title tomorrow that would be very, very happy news for our history, as well as another good experience for the players.”