Excitement in Germany: Japan Strikes Again
At 2:30 EST, the Women’s World Cup final game was underway. A confident, fit and determined United States team faced a patient, inspiring and finessing Japanese team. Just four months after a tsunami and earthquake shook the nation, leaving 25,000 dead, the Japanese team had reached the World Cup final for the first time. With a team of vets and youngsters, Japan was confident in their abilities to participate in another upset and bring the cup home for its country.
Homare Sawa, captain and star midfielder, was playing for her 5th time in the world cup, and after tonight’s game she had surpassed Marta as the top goal scorer. For that, she received the Golden Boot and Golden Ball in addition to the cup that can be largely attributed to her final goal in the 117th minute. She put her team back in position for a shot at the cup and they took the opportunity. Their goalkeeper, Ayumi Kaihori, was named player of the match for her excellent game, including her two saves during PKs.
Though Japan had never won a game in its 25 matches against the United States, had won no world title before, and had only advanced past the first round once previously in the World Cup, they took it to us today. They showed that they too can make big plays and weave through world class defense. They disproved the notion their goalkeepers are not as good as those of other countries. They proved to the world that the game of women’s soccer is changing. That the competition is fierce and that the list of legitimate contenders for national titles is no longer short.
Whether or not you were cheering for Japan, it would be hard to call them a team that you would root against. A team, known as
Nadeshiko, a beautiful flower in Japanese, proved that they could be just that for their country that had seen so much in the past months. Some of the team had friends die in the earthquakes, and all spoke of what it would mean to take the cup home with them. After months of sorrow, Japan finally had something to cheer for. The players were fighting for their country, playing to lift a nation. They did that after making 3 of 4 PKs to the US’s 1. They played a great game and were rewarded for converting their goal scoring opportunities.
Japan won and the US goes home empty handed. Though I am disappointed, I liked what Abby Wambach said after the game. “Maybe their country needed them to win more than ours country needed us to win.” The recognition that sometimes, it just isn’t meant to be. It was Japan’s turn. And so, I will walk away happy in knowing that women’s soccer continues to spread around the world.
And in knowing that the Olympics are just around the corner. GO USA! I am proud that you’re my team.
-HD
Japan: Shock and Awe
Germany was the team to beat. As defending champion and host to this year’s World Cup, Germany was a favorite to take the cup (again). The Germans were undefeated in the past 12 years of World Cup Play, and on Saturday they stepped onto the field knowing they were going to win. They were wrong.
Japan entered the game with confidence. They played a game of possession, breaking up the rhythm of the Germans and controlling the play. Their touches were precise and their composure was evident. Their patience and control, in the end, allowed them to come out on top and secure a place in the semifinal.
Not known for their physical play, it was doubtful that Japan could muster the strength to overcome the strong German powerhouse. It was important that they show a strong presence early, which is exactly what they did. Up until the quarterfinals, Japan had not received even one yellow card; in this game they were given two, demonstrating how they stepped up to make hard challenges and match the physical game of the German team.
As Japan began to take control, the sold-out crowd of more than 26,000 grew silent. Japan was a seemingly new team that posed a viable threat to the reigning champions. About halfway through the first half, Japan gained control of the midfield. It appeared to be a game of keepaway that forced the game into a 30-minute overtime.
In the 108th minute, Homare Sawa made the perfect pass to Karina Maruyama who scored the only goal of the game. Japan won 1-0. Germany was shocked. Japan was overjoyed. And yet, that was not the only story.
Four months ago Japan was shaken by the earthquake and tsunami that hit the country. This game was played for the honor and encouragement of the country. To inspire a nation. To lift up the Japanese people.
When the game was over, the team stood behind a banner that read, “To our friends around the world — Thank you for your support.”
Japan showed resilience during the game. They altered their style to fit the situation. Against all odds, they beat the champions, and in doing so, they gave a glimpse of hope to a nation.
-HD
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