CONGRATULATIONS JAPAN!!!

The sixth edition of the World Cup of Women's Soccer 2011 with Germany as host concluded with the final match between the representative of Japan and the USA, in the Stadium of Frankfurt. 

With a total sold out of tickets, Germany and the rest of the world witnesses how a new story was about to be written.  Just like if you were watching a movie, with a lot of drama and turnovers, the USA was looking for their third cup in their history, the first in 1991 and then in 1995, and Japan, first time that reached the finals in their story, to show that they are a serious contender.

Before the Game

There was a lot of skepticism about the Japanese team, with a negative record in previous games against the USA in 2011 (3 lost and 0 win), the statistic were in favor of the Women National US Team. But trough the tournament Japan was showing something that not much people want to admit, Japan was playing with hearth and discipline. Also with that spirit that characterizes almost all the Asian teams and with a philosophy of never to be defeated, firm and persistent, Japan managed to eliminate big teams like the host team Germany with a score of 1 to 0, and the unstoppable Sweden with a score of 3 to 1.

On the other side, the Stars and Stripes team was inspired after defeat Brazil 3 to 5 in an epic game that finished in shootouts in favor of the USA, and France which was playing well but had not arguments to continue on the road with a score of 3 to 1.

During the Game

Nevertheless, during the first 45 minutes the United States domination of the game was unquestionable with an aggressive offensive and constant pressing of the USA team Japan was not creating danger to USA goal keeper Hope Solo. Rapinoe, Cheney and Wambach were doing their best, but the Japanese keeper, Ayumi Kaihori, and the goal frame did not allow the expected goal for the Americans. During the second half, the Japanese came with more intentions to overcome the midfield, but a goal of Morgan in the minute 69 send the USA aspirations higher and close to their third cup in their history. With less than nine minutes to play in the regular time, the Japanese team came to equalize (1-1) when 12 minutes later in an action that was not dangerous created by a double mistake of the US defense, Aya Miyama send the ball to the net.

Extra time and penalties

One more time, the United States managed to go up sensationally when Abby Wambach scored and set the 2 to 1, but when everyone thought in the third championship for the Americans, to three minutes of the final whistle, one of the few shots of corners that had Japan during the match, Homare Sawa tie the game with an incredible ability leaving astonished everyone in the stadium.

The USA team, who is more familiar with the penalties scenario, was ready for this stage but they showed their nervousness failing the first three shots of penal. The figure of the day was the Japanese goalkeeper Ayumi Kaihori who saved two times of being down in the penalties.

Final thought - Women have pride too

The true is that both teams did their best and both deserve recognition for being in the final game, but unfortunately there is only one winner and not always is the one that plays better, neither the one that created more chances of score or the one that dominate the encounter. 

The ball is played on ground and if a team cannot close the match in regular time then they need to work more the technical, physical and mental. Japan not only showed a hunger of victory (there is not small rival), but also teach us an important lesson “never give up.”

In a recently article published by Greg Couch, he said that “women deserve serious criticism” and  “show a little respect for women’s sports and for the U.S. World Cup soccer team by being honest, and not treating them like darlings?” All of this because President Obama said “Couldn’t be prouder of the women of the USWNT after a hard-fought game.” 

Well, let me tell you that YES!! A lot of people agree with me that we are proud of Japan, USA and the other nations Soccer women’s team, because it would be a worst insult to keep those athletic and talented women in the kitchen or relegated in some dark corner.

USA and Japan deserve respect and there is no need to compare them with other teams like basquet-ball, softball, tennis, etc. or even worst…with male teams, which would be an insult too. Every discipline has different mentality and different preparation for competence.

US Soccer Coach Sundhage Pia said it “the difference between winning and losing is so small,” and “sometimes a team cannot score even if they are playing good and dominating the game.” We have to understand that and do not discredit their efforts.

So, one more time… congratulations to Japan for the Women’s World Cup Championship and my best wishes to the USA National Team, admirable performance.