(My Sportsbook) - Japan did not expect to have such a tough time in qualifying for China 2007 but after defeating Mexico in a play-off, Japan will make its fifth appearance in the Women's World Cup.

The Japanese had a disappointing qualifying campaign that included losses to Australia and Korea, forcing them into the tense play-off. A 2-0 win in the first leg gave Japan a cushion, and they held on to beat the Mexicans 3-2 on aggregate.

Japan will now turn its attention to improving on its best ever result at a World Cup, a quarterfinal appearance in 1995.

Despite taking part in every Women's World Cup to date, Japan has failed to make its mark as one of the top teams in the world. By advancing to the quarterfinals in 1995, Japan looked to be on its way to a place among the top-10 team's in the world. However, they failed to live up to those expectations in the following two World Cups and now are out to prove that they belong.

Japan is currently ranked ninth by FIFA, its highest ever climb, and is trying to prove how far the team has come.

Midfielder Homare Sawa has emerged as the unquestioned leader of the team and one of the top players in the women's game. At just 28 years old, Sawa has already earned 118 caps and tallied 60 goals, which makes her Japan's all-time leading scorer.

Sawa's performance will go a long way in determining the success that Japan has in this competition, although head coach Hiroshi Ohashi believes that the collective effort of his team as a whole is what sets his Japan side apart.

"Teamwork is our strongest point. In many ways, it's our reserve players and not our starters who determine the outcome of matches," Ohashi told the FIFA website.

While the coach believes strongly in his club's depth, it will be the brilliant play of Sawa that will carry Japan into the quarterfinals.

Germany is the clear favorites in Group A, with Argentina looking like the weak link. Expect Japan and England to battle it out for second place in the group, which makes the team's opening match on September 11 against England so crucial.

PAST ACHIEVEMENTS:

-- 2nd - Asian Womens Championship 1986, 1991, 1995, 2001

-- 3rd - Asian Womens Championship 1989, 1993, 1997

-- 2nd - Asian Games, Womens Tournament 1990, 1994

-- 3rd - Asian Games, Womens Tournament 1998

-- Quarter-finalists FIFA Women's World Cup - 1995