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It's incredible, inconceivable, and inexplicable that the Japanese women beat their American rivals in the best ever Women's World Cup played in history!
Both sides have their own remarkable stories of getting to the World Cup final and both thought it was their destiny to win. The dramatic and magical winnings in quarterfinals and semifinals of both teams were thrilling and shocking. And the climax of the two teams played in Frankfurt, Germany, on July 17, 2011, was just as cliff-hanging and surprising! But destiny could only choose one winner. The ending seems to be a page torn from a Hollywood script.
It was a Women's World Cup final between two inspirational teams whose paths through the tournament seemed guided by fate. They were both underdogs pulling out wins when it didn't seem possible to reach the final. They were both dark horses, upsetting their international rivals with their remarkable resiliency, drive and talent. Both teams were sensational in capturing the hearts of their homeland with stunning victories and attracted devout fans in such a short period.
On one side, the U.S. team was favored to win its first and America's third World Cup title since 1999. On the other, the Japan team "Nadeshiko" in its first Women's World Cup final poured its heart out to play for a country ravaged by the devastating March tsunami and earthquake as well as nuclear radiation leaks.
In the unforgettable Women's World Cup final, the United States twice took the lead, but Japan tied the score with nine minutes to go in regulation, then tied it again with three minutes to go into overtime. The late scores by Japan were reminiscent of earlier U.S. matches.
No one could forget the highlights of the game: when Alex Morgan ran to score following Megan Rapinoe's long pass; when Aya Miyama tied the score by tapping the ball in with the outside of her foot; when Morgan passed to Abby Wambach for a lethal forehead score; when Homare Sawa's knee knocked the ball in for a timely equalizer.
Finally, when the Japan team was faced with the daunting task of scoring in penalty kicks against the world's best goalkeeper, Hope Solo, the Japanese players demonstrated their greatest strength -- technique. They beat the Americans in penalty kicks. The final score: Japan 2 (3) U.S. 2 (1).
As they had done all tournament, the Japanese proved that they are the most highly skilled players in women's soccer.
Many records have been broken in this historical sports epic:
1. Japan is the first Asian nation to win the Women's World Cup.
2. It was the first time for Japan in the Women's World Cup final.
3. Going into the final, Japan team never had beaten the U.S. women - they held a record of 0 win, 22 losses, and 3 ties.
4. It was the first time for the U.S. to lose a World Cup match in which it scored first.
5. It was the first time for the U.S. team to fail in clearing the last hurdle in the Women's World Cup once they reached it.
In reality, there are really no losers in the World Cup final. They are the best two teams in the world and they deserve to be remembered and appreciated for getting there. And the trophies they've received tell them so!
Congratulations to both Japan and the U.S.!
Both sides have their own remarkable stories of getting to the World Cup final and both thought it was their destiny to win. The dramatic and magical winnings in quarterfinals and semifinals of both teams were thrilling and shocking. And the climax of the two teams played in Frankfurt, Germany, on July 17, 2011, was just as cliff-hanging and surprising! But destiny could only choose one winner. The ending seems to be a page torn from a Hollywood script.
It was a Women's World Cup final between two inspirational teams whose paths through the tournament seemed guided by fate. They were both underdogs pulling out wins when it didn't seem possible to reach the final. They were both dark horses, upsetting their international rivals with their remarkable resiliency, drive and talent. Both teams were sensational in capturing the hearts of their homeland with stunning victories and attracted devout fans in such a short period.
On one side, the U.S. team was favored to win its first and America's third World Cup title since 1999. On the other, the Japan team "Nadeshiko" in its first Women's World Cup final poured its heart out to play for a country ravaged by the devastating March tsunami and earthquake as well as nuclear radiation leaks.
In the unforgettable Women's World Cup final, the United States twice took the lead, but Japan tied the score with nine minutes to go in regulation, then tied it again with three minutes to go into overtime. The late scores by Japan were reminiscent of earlier U.S. matches.
No one could forget the highlights of the game: when Alex Morgan ran to score following Megan Rapinoe's long pass; when Aya Miyama tied the score by tapping the ball in with the outside of her foot; when Morgan passed to Abby Wambach for a lethal forehead score; when Homare Sawa's knee knocked the ball in for a timely equalizer.
Finally, when the Japan team was faced with the daunting task of scoring in penalty kicks against the world's best goalkeeper, Hope Solo, the Japanese players demonstrated their greatest strength -- technique. They beat the Americans in penalty kicks. The final score: Japan 2 (3) U.S. 2 (1).
As they had done all tournament, the Japanese proved that they are the most highly skilled players in women's soccer.
Many records have been broken in this historical sports epic:
1. Japan is the first Asian nation to win the Women's World Cup.
2. It was the first time for Japan in the Women's World Cup final.
3. Going into the final, Japan team never had beaten the U.S. women - they held a record of 0 win, 22 losses, and 3 ties.
4. It was the first time for the U.S. to lose a World Cup match in which it scored first.
5. It was the first time for the U.S. team to fail in clearing the last hurdle in the Women's World Cup once they reached it.
In reality, there are really no losers in the World Cup final. They are the best two teams in the world and they deserve to be remembered and appreciated for getting there. And the trophies they've received tell them so!
Congratulations to both Japan and the U.S.!
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