They Needed This

If you’re a football (or soccer, depending if you’re American or not) fan or not, you’ve likely heard something about the FIFA 2011 Woman’s World Cup.  Japan and America trudged toward the final round playing astounding games and well played matches against power-houses like France, Germany, Sweden, and Brazil.

America was ranked number one in the world, astounding really when you consider the general lack of enthusiasm around football in America compared to other countries.  Japan fell at number four according to FIFA.com.  At least in woman’s football.  Japan had to step forward to be giant killers, and they rose to the challenge.

Japan was patient throughout the game.  At the start they deflected fourteen goal attempts by the Americans.  One finally stuck and it looked like the game was going to be over.  Within the last five minutes of regular time Japan tied up the game to one-one, taking it to over-time.

In over-time the Americans lead by Abby Wambach (A powerhouse throughout the competition) took the lead at the start of the first fifteen minute over-time period.  The Japanese, ever patient, bides their time in the second half before striking through a header from a penalty kick off number ten, the Japanese captain.

The game went to penalty kicks and the Japanese team won with three kicks.

In an interview directly following the game a tearful Solo (Goalie/keeper for the Americans) commented on the loss, “Something bigger was pulling for this team… If I had to give it to another team, it would’ve been them.”  She explained that the Japanese team had a lot of heart, but that she was going to be back.

As an American, it’s no secret what team I was cheering for.  However, I’m not heart-broken by this loss.  It was a good clean game where both sides played their hearts out.  I agree with Solo’s comments, something greater was pulling for the Japanese team tonight, I believe.  They needed this win, Japan needed this win.  After months of heartache, a year of bad news and one terrible happening coupled with the next a cause to rally and a source of national pride is something they can all need.  Even if it is a momentary sense of normality before returning to the hard fate that the country faces for many years to come causes for celebration are what that country needs right now and the team earned it.  I can only hope that people take the same side I am and see this as a bitter-sweet loss for America.  If we had to give it to anyone, I’m glad it was them.

Well done Japan.  But, don’t get too comfortable in the number one slot, the Americans will be back in four years out for the title that so narrowly eluded them.