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. 

Buehler's day off.

As the United States prepare to take on France in the World Cup semis, they will be missing the services of defender Rachel Buehler, who was sent off in the quarterfinals against Brazil.

Top - bottom; Buehler's challenge
on Marta leading to a penalty and red card.

Buehler received her marching orders following a foul on Brazilian star player Marta, in the 65th minute.  After a brilliant move saw Marta get into a "one-on-one" situation with Hope Solo (a goal being the most likely result), Buehler made a challenge for what seemed to be a fair ball, only to bring down the Brazilian.  Australian referee Jacqui Melksham did not hesitate in awarding the penalty.

Melksham stunned just about everyone when she pulled out the red card for what appeared to be a "professional foul".  Granted, Buehler was the last defender, but it's not like she intentionally fouled Marta.  After watching the replay several times, the red card seems way to harsh for what should have at least been a yellow card.  However, these things happen a lot faster on the field, and the ref doesn't have the same privilege of replays that the audience at home does.  The U.S. eventually managed to prevail, but not before few more questionable calls; including retaking the penalty after it had initially been saved by Solo.

Buehler has already scored a goal in this tournament (against North Korea), but the defensive side of the ball is where she will be missed.  Team Coach Pia Sundhage announced late Monday that Becky Sauerbrunn will be starting on Wednesday against France.

The semi-finals isn't the ideal place for a player to get their first taste of the World Cup, but Sauerbrunn has already featured for the national team, and her experience will be valuable.  She filled in for Christie Rampone during 2 friendlies against Japan in May (the US won 2-0 in both games), playing the full 90 minutes in both encounters.

The U.S. will more than likely be favored to get past a French team that is making its first trip to the semis.  Just like the rest of us however, Buehler's role will only be that of a spectator.

Hope and a prayer: The U.S. and a Solo mission.

The 2011 Women's World Cup is already under way, and the list of pre-tournament favorites (a.k.a the usual suspects) has more or less remained the same.

There's Germany, the host nation and 2-time defending champion, who've already kicked off their campaign with a 2-1 win over Canada.  Brazil, looking to win their first world title, are at the top of the list as well.  They are led by Marta, the reigning World Player of the Year.  Norway and Sweden will always give any team a run for their money.  The spotlight will of course shine brightest on the team that currently boasts the world's #1 ranking; the United States.

Favorites in just about every tournament they play in, the United States will looking for their first title since 1999, when they beat China in a penalty shoot-out.  In the last 2 tournaments, they managed to make it to the semis, only to fall short.  In 2003, they lost 3-0 to eventual champion Germany.  In 2007, they drew Brazil in the semis.  On the eve of the game, then coach Greg Ryan, opted to bench starting goalie Hope Solo in favor of veteran Brianna Scurry (one of the heroes of the 1999 World Cup and the 2004 Olympics).

Solo could not mask her anger during the
2007 semis against Brazil

Whatever the motive was, it didn't matter as Brazil routed the U.S. 4-0, and Solo didn't pull any punches afterward; ripping Greg Ryan for his decision, and throwing Scurry "under the bus" by appearing to discredit her (Scurry) past contributions to the team's success.  Solo was dismissed from the team immediately and wasn't a part of the festivities when the U.S. went on to claim 3rd place with a 4-1 win over Norway.  Solo has since attempted to clarify that her anger and comments were solely aimed at Ryan (who left soon after when his contract was not renewed), not Scurry; who wound up as collateral damage.

With new coach Pia Sundhage came a clean slate and Solo was restored to the team as the 1st choice goalkeeper.  Her road to redemption culminated in the 2008 Beijing Olympics (ironically, China hosted the 2007 World Cup), when she repelled wave after wave of Brazilian attacks and the U.S. hang on to successfully defend their Gold Medal crown.

Hope Solo has forged a reputation as one of the best goalkeepers in the game, and while an Olympic gold medal is no "small potatoes", a World Cup winner's medal is ultimately the cherished prize.  She has come a long way, with the 2007 debacle slowly but surely fading from her rear-view mirror.  Triumph in Germany will, if anything, bury the whole thing completely; "six feet under" and all.

Should the U.S. win, will this happen?

Along with Solo, the U.S. will rely on the leadership of Abby Wambach, team captain Christie Rampone and Shannon Boxx in their quest to bring back a title has so far done a great job of eluding them.  With the Olympics just around the corner, a Gold Medal "three-peat" isn't that far from their minds either.  A world cup triumph would definitely provide a big boost going forward.

As Solo and the team embark on their quest, may "The Force" be with them (sorry, but I couldn't pass it up).