Joy for Japan

Japan became the first Asian country to win the Women's World Cup, breaking the dominance that had so far been held by European teams and the United States.  In a pulsating, heart stopping final, Japan twice rallied from a goal down to tie the game when all seemed lost.

Come to think of it, Japan defied just about all odds on their way to World Cup glory.  They had yet to beat a European team in the tournament, so they beat Germany; the host nation and 2-time defending champion.  They put up a dominant performance in their 3-1 semi-final win over Sweden.  Japan had yet to beat the United States in their previous 25 meetings; so their first ever win just happened to be on the grandest stage in the women's game.

In a previous article (World Cup Update), I mentioned that Japan could be the surprise team of the tournament, following their 4-0 demolition of Mexico.  They were the form team, but that didn't show in their 2-0 loss to England.  Still, they managed to literally shock the world the rest of the way.

What makes their win over the United States impressive, is that probably for the first time in the tournament, the US played their most complete game.  Despite being outplayed by Brazil and France, neither team could match the Americans' superior finishing.  Against Japan, the US would not allow their opponents any room to run or create scoring chances.  They chased, harassed and out-hustled Japan for every possession.  They simply took the game to Japan, but couldn't even buy a goal.

Playing in her 5th World Cup, Sawa finally
reached the summit.

Even though the Japanese players were smaller in stature, they challenged just about every aerial ball, not allowing too many free headers.  At least we got to see just how dangerous Abby Wambach can be with her feet (who'd have thought she could be that lethal?).

Still, you gotta give credit to Japan for hanging in there, until the breaks fell their way.  Alex Morgan scored in the 69th minute; a goal that seemed long overdue, and you couldn't blame the fans for getting the party started.  Up to that point, Japan had only mustered a serious shot or two at the Americans' goal.  Aya Miyama capitalized on a defensive blunder to tie the game.

When Alex Morgan set up Abby Wambach's goal for the 2-1 lead, it seemed like that would be the goal to clinch the game.  Yet for the remaining 15 minutes, Japanese spirits would not be broken.  Their patience paid off when Homare Sawa, their captain and talisman, hit a backhill off a corner that deflected off Wamabach and into the net.

Iwashimizu saw red for this challenge on Morgan

Japan survived a late sending off when Azusa Iwashimizu received her matching orders from referee Bibiana Steinhaus of Germany, following a "professional foul" on Alex Morgan.  Morgan had a clear path to the goal, and as the last defender, Iwashimizu opted to commit the foul.  After watching replays, it seemed like Iwashimizu made an attempt for the ball, but couldn't account for Morgan's speed and positioning, thereby felling the striker.  The ensuing free-kick was defended valiantly, and Japan sealed the deal in the penalty shootout.

To be honest, I found it rather hard to root against Japan.  These ladies weren't just playing for pride, but for a nation of 120 million that needed something to smile about, while still recovering from the devastating earthquakes and tsunamis that rocked its shores in March/April.  Their improbable run to the title is one of those things that you just can't script.

Japan weren't the better team on the field, but their spirit, determination and class makes them worthy winners.