soccer

Japan beats Netherlands 2-1 to reach Women's World Cup quarterfinals

13 Comments
By JANIE McCAULEY

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@taiga_123

I wasn't comparing success between the men's and women's teams. There is no comparison, the women have exceeded expectations while the men have failed to live up to their lofty, unrealistic hopes. The point I was making was that there seems to be a lot of overconfidence in Japanese football. It starts in the media, with comments made by people who clearly know little about the world game, and that seeps into the mainstream public. The performances of the men's team in last year's World Cup and this year's Asian Cup weren't all that surprising to neutral observers but came as a big shock to many here. Why? Because there is major disparity between belief and actuality. I have no sympathy for the plight of the Japanese men's team because a lot of players have brought that on themselves by feeding the populace with a false sense of capability. To be fair, the Nadeshiko Japan players don't show the same arrogance. They're confident, as they should be, but respectful of their opponents. I hope the Matildas beat them but it will be very hard. Who knows? The Australian men just won the Asian Cup. Like Japan, the women's team might just trump them.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

@banz10, Its very easy to say that many comparing the success of the men's team with the women's that dont get hopes high bc when expecting too much little come out. But if u take a look the woman want u to think little success of them so they get the psychology kick in for them. now many teams thinking japan cant score more goals than 2 will play 100 percent rather than 200 percent. on top dont be surprised cause even the brazil team is no match to japan. u gotta really wait to see the semis and finals how strong japan can be

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

banz10

Ya tink there's too much of it, i.e. arrogance in Japanese football???

Just come over to the UK, more precisely England.

You'll want to go back to arrogant Japan in a flash.

This from an Englishman (also Brit), who loves fussball.

Even if they don't win it, the Nadeshiko is showing alongside Germany the best football women can offer at the mo.

Only the one eyed could say that the Dutch contested the match!

1 ( +2 / -1 )

There's been a lot of bitter pride-swallowing around the men's underwhelming performances of late.

I've noticed that. I was lunching with Japanese colleagues when the news of Nadeshiko's win came in, and they were remarkably subdued ... there was a bit of muttering about "strong women" and that was it.

Anyway. Go ladies!

2 ( +3 / -1 )

@taiga_123

easy game for japan. next game prob gonna be the same.

We'll see. The Matildas beat Brazil and are improving as the tournament rolls on. Japan will be heavy favourites but that comment is indicative of the arrogance that's crept into Japanese football. Don't get me wrong, it was fantastic to see Nadeshiko Japan win the last World Cup. But when both the men's and women's national teams here start to do well, a lot of less than knowledgeable football fans start thinking Japan just has to show up to succeed. There's been a lot of bitter pride-swallowing around the men's underwhelming performances of late. If the Matildas upset Nadeshiko Japan, probably the only thing we'll hear are the cicadas.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

I love the way the Japanese team bows to the crowd after every game, whether they win, lose or draw. I bet they are the only team in the tournament that does that.

Well, bowing is in their culture and that's why it's shown, because it's different from the applause or the claps most teams give, but most teams give appreciation to the fans through various gestures.

But I just want to say Sakaguchi played lights out on both sides of the ball and Japan is obviously a serious threat to frontrunners Germany and France.

And anything can happen. England, Australia, Canada who knows who can move on to the next game.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

@ Kurobune. After the famous Oz song 'Waltzing Matilda' I guess.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Omedetou ! Next is the Aussie team ! Does anyone know the reason the Aussie team is known as the Matildas ?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Well done, ladies! Sounds like it was a fun game, too. I'm glad the Dutch got at least a goal in as well to make it more interesting. Next up for the ladies is the Aussie team! Good luck to both!!

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Well played to the Champions! The Matildas have nothing to lose in the QF against Japan - they have already punched above their weight - but they are young and fast so have a fighting chance...should be a great game! I have a feeling that if Japan gets through the QF, their vastly experienced veterans will be unstoppable for a repeat trophy.

I love the way the Japanese team bows to the crowd after every game, whether they win, lose or draw. I bet they are the only team in the tournament that does that.

Its a nice touch, and the Blue Samurai do the same. I don't think other teams do it since bowing is not really a part of their culture (especially in sports) - they usually applaud their fans to thank them.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

easy game for japan. next game prob gonna be the same.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

Congrats, ladies! One step closer to my Germany:Japan dream final.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

I love the way the Japanese team bows to the crowd after every game, whether they win, lose or draw. I bet they are the only team in the tournament that does that.

5 ( +10 / -5 )

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