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© Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.U.S. beats Japan 5-2 to win Women's World Cup
By TIM BOOTH VANCOUVER©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.
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Maria
Bah.
BurakuminDes
The BBC summed it up well: it has been Barcelona versus a pub team. Cmon Japan, at least show some fight!
theFu
Hats off to the USA ladies.
Impressive play and some dumb luck so far reflected in the score.
I love watching two great teams play with high levels of skill.
Tessa
That's 4-2 now. Gonna be close!
papigiulio
4-2!! Another own goal in favor of Japan.
Tessa
Looks like we spoke too soon. 5-2. Everyone looks tired. Don't give up now!
mrcliff
Let's go US finish strong!!
nath
5-2
Boy Next Door
It's in the bag for the US. Cheers to Japan for giving a good game though.
Wc626
Well . . . It's 5-2. Nadeshiko had a nice lil' comeback. Too little too late?
Elbuda Mexicano
So the last score was 5 to 2?? Now MAEZONO will have to SHAVE his hair down to 3 mm!! He promised to do that if JAPAN LOST and maybe Matsumoto Hitoshi will dye his hair PINK if Japan wins, so no pink hair???
WesternerJapan87
5-2!! Wow, Nadeshiko really didn't deserve this amount of humiliation :(
Texas A&M Aggie
Happy birthday, America ......
USA!!! USA!!! USA!!!
mrcliff
Good game Japan. USA! USA! USA!
Haaa Nemui
Congrats to the USA... but I do wish we could write off the first 20 minutes.
Texas A&M Aggie
Olympic gold and now the World Cup.
Leave ... No ... Doubt ....
USA!!! USA!!! USA!!!
Mocheake
Team USA left no doubt this time and washed away all the rain from the rainy season for me!!
WesternerJapan87
That was a complete massacre. Total humiliation. Nadeshiko lacked stamina and lacked passion.
papigiulio
Congrats USA, well deserved win.
Patrick Hattman
USA! USA! USA!
A 5-2 rout by the Americans against an overmatched Japan side.
Three-time World Cup champions!
spahnmatthew
A historic rematch and a historic blowout by the USA. I believe that it was Carli Lloyd who missed the PK in the 2011 finals and she scored a hat trick in the first half alone.
Both teams should be proud of their accomplishments this World Cup and an extra congratulations to Team USA for a well-earned World Cup.
Texas A&M Aggie
A great night to be an American.
Thanks for an outstanding birthday present, ladies ......
USA!!! USA!!! USA!!!
crustpunker
Soccer baskets are usually harder to score but it seems the U.S. team got a lot of them this time! Well done ladies!
Wc626
But those first 20 min were so exciting!! The americans came out runnin' & gunnin'. They really came out to play and took no prisoners today.
Disillusioned
Congrats to the U.S. team. They definitely played a better game, as the results show. Japan made it to the final and deserve some recognition. Well done Japan girls!
Kazuaki Shimazaki
When I glanced this morning's article saying the US team is up 4-1 within the first 20 minutes or so, I knew this was pretty much going to be the ending. I'm no sports expert but even if I attribute its lead so far to some lucky Yank shots / gross errors on the Japanese team, the odds of making a comeback after this against a top team was extremely poor (if the US was behind by a similar margin, I won't be seeing them making a comeback either).
TexPomeroy
Waal - I played SOCCER in high school back in Texas (good thing the football team captain was an open-minded guy who supported our efforts and his No. 2 a good friend of mine) because we knew soccer to be more international and we can take the World Cup... some locals just wouldn't listen though; soon I hope Texas will have a NATIONAL team! Remember The Alamo & Don't Mess With Texas!
Kansaicoon
Arr the agony of defeat I feel ya Japan! Congrats to the U.S. World Cup win!
Texas A&M Aggie
I heard that the TV in-studio announcers wear Japanese soccer jerseys when commentating on games.
If that is true, just curious: For those of us not living there, were they doing that today?
Megumi Shakti
It's all quiet here. I can work in peace. If Japan had won I wouldn't hear the end of it. I'm being quiet too. No bragging. No need to do that. The final score is INDISPUTABLE proof of the better team. They'll find out soon enough. I'll let them come to me. I'll just pretend we Americans aren't interested in "football", bwahahahahahahahahaha
nath
I love Japan and their Women's Soccer Team, and had they played anybody else, I'd've rooted for them. That being said, Japan's Coach should've kept his mouth shut about "deserving" to beat England. Why is it someone on a Japan National Team has to go off half cocked and be all arrogant?
Anyway, congrats on getting Second Place, Team Japan.
JohnBecker
A pretty convincing result. Not quite an apt finish for such a closely contested tournament overall. It's been a great bunch of matches, well organized and brought off by the hosts (except for that weird turf).
Haaa Nemui
Don't get me wrong. The better team won and the USA girls certainly did play awesome football in the first 20 minutes... but I just felt the Japanese girls took too long to get into the mood. I thought the majority of the game showed the USA still playing a better game, but at least Japan was there for it. Think they were taken completely by surprise in the beginning.
bpsitrep
Congrats to Team USA, they played very well the whole tournament. Congrats to Team Japan, the girls did great, it was the coaching that lacked. From the opening, I saw too much laxness on Japan's pre-game warm up, Team USA were drilling hard. Japan opened with all the wrong players.....coaching fault.....! The goalkeeper, Kaihori, should have been more disciplined to stay within her goal bounds, not to be a player-coach on the field....again, Coach's problem he should have handled. Overall, a big congratulations to Team Japan for making it to the final round. Looking forward to seeing them again shine in 2016 at the Olympics !!!!
USNinJapan2
That was a rout. Based on their unconvincing play while eking out their progress to the final from by far the easiest group, Nadeshiko Japan were outmatched by USA the moment they stepped foot on the pitch today, completely outplayed by risk takers like Carli Lloyd, and were duly punished by our girls who had ALL of the momentum and spirit coming into this final. Congratulate them all you want for finishing second, fair play, etc. but there is NO way to spin away this embarrassing and disappointing defeat by Nadeshiko Japan and I'm going to enjoy watching the Japanese media try their damnedest. 16 years later, the Red, White, and Blue have earned our third star and judging by the outpouring of support I've seen both during last summer's men's World Cup and over the past several weeks, America is finally becoming a great soccer nation that truly supports its national teams and players completing on the global stage. What a way to cap off a fantastic Independence Day Weekend. Proud of you USWNT! USA!!! USA!!!
Megumi Shakti
Japan made a fatal mistake. They misunderstood America's feelings about Penalty Kicks. We think PKs are a crappy way to end the FINAL match. Give us extra time but don't end it on PKs. So this WC Team USA had to make it absolutely clear who the better team is.
It was real personal for us. Japan's coach should have known that.
smithinjapan
Even if you weren't watching the massacre it's obvious who won by the silence everywhere. I just wish that everyone here would acknowledge how well the Japanese women did to get this far. Had they won, EVERYONE would be a soccer fan; instead we're back to no one talking about it. Congrats to the U.S. Women, who really showed who the better team was. Japan had it easy up to now, and this was proof. I'm curious what Sasaki, who's bragged about himself all through this, has to say. Maybe back to the "Thry copy our skills" nonsense he was spouting pre-tournament?
Bgood41
As called for and predicted since early stages of competition, USA #1 & Japan #2 are correct. An incorrect prediction on #3 England instead of Germany(!). The Nadeshiko show the class and spirit of competition in a clean game as soccer should be. In 2019, we will even see more competitive games. Congrats to all teams that showing the world we can play together in spite of many differences, except few parts of the world. Live, play,and share love and goodness to all. Cheers.
jerseyboy
Perfectly stated. Bravo USA!!!
Wc626
LoL- and so was I. Who would've thought a 4-0 rally by the americans in the first 20 minutes? Incredible.
Pukey2
Was it 4-0 within the first 15 minutes???!!!!!
I bet it felt like Germany-Brazil 2014 all over again! Even China didn't whipped that badly by USA. If some of the posters think that Japan will Japan, a simple 'I think Japan will win' suffices so I don't have to get the eggs ready. I hope all the players get plenty of rest now.
Kansaicoon
I can't wait for future matches between these two. The last World Cup was really something special for Japan they showed a lot of heart in 2011.
USNinJapan2
A frustrating dark horse risk taker like Carli Lloyd, first WC hat trick scorer and this tournament's golden ball winner, would never have been allowed on the Japanese side. She IS the unsightly nail that would have been hammered down in the name of teamwork and harmony. Glad it's not the American way... http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2015/7/2/8887283/carli-lloyd-usa-japan-2015-womens-world-cup-final
Christopher Glen
Congratulations USA
ShyDingo
@Fadamor, no I did not think Japan snuck in a male goalie. The goalie is playing in a womens football team, in a womens sporting competition, & the WWC on top of all that has gender testing. So she is undoubtedly female.
Not all females look feminine, some tomboys you can still tell regardless but others can pass for male. Passing for male & having a lack of feminine features doesn't mean they ain't the same under the clothes as any other female player.
I fail to see how a players appearance has any relevance to the game BTW.
Peeping_Tom
Wc626
That's what football is all about.
Remember that Germany stuffed Brazil 7-1 in the Maracana of all places?
These 2 teams will trade blows again next year at the Olympics in Rio.
However, the American girls do deserve today's victory though.
some07791
Nice one USA. I was hoping for a magic Japanese comeback, but nevermind..
USA well deserved it. Keep supporting Womens football, America. Hopefully, you can drag the rest of the world up with you.
Kansaicoon
@USNinJapan2 Your first comment on this article is so true! Soccer is certainly gain momentum in the U.S.
gogogo
Same thing happened with the men a few years ago against Australia, the team freezes up when start to lose and it's all over.
Haaa Nemui
Rugby too. The U.S. Women's team just came 2nd to NZ in the super series. No shame in that at all. Well done!
Wc626
Exactly. Well said USN. I'm glad it ain't the american way too. No guts, no glory-
tinawatanabe
He didn't say deserving to beat England. He said,
"The goal was a result of everyone pushing us on with their support and came from our determination to win,"
GW
YEOW! I turned on the tube just after 8am, 2-0 US leading & I thought damn its 7min into the 2nd half!! Put the kettle on for coffee, coffee in cup, 4-0.........
It wasn't until just before the half ended that I realized it was the first half, NOT the 2nd half!! Japan had all but given up except when their 1st goal went in(a nice one!)!!
Japan just couldn't match the US at all, they pushed a bit in the 2nd but it was pretty clear they were not going to have much success.
Congrats on the silver Japan, the yanks deserved the win.
Christopher Glen
I wouldn't call their games against Australia and England easy. Lucky scrape-throughs if anything. And yes, people are very subdued today. They have just been given a massive reality check
clamenza
Peeping Tom - True the US men's side are pretenders. In fact they might be England in disguise! Its really got to suck that the country you hate the most is more successful in a sport they don't even care about. Ouch!
Zenpun
@ Peeingping_Tom
I told you so. I wish we can bet for future world cup in JT.
In my opinion, Japanese players are physically small, not well organized and not running fast. Unless Japan will be rewarded with penalties or US girls will shoot own goal, there is very little chance that Japan will get trophy.
It will be miracle for Japan winning the women football world cup in 2015.
Peeping_Tom Jul. 03, 2015 - 08:46PM JST posted
And in terms of grace and finess, Japan is the best team, whether some sucker experts like it or not.
They are not called the Barcelona of women's football because "they are small, weak and disorganised", as one of our "experts" stated a few posts above.
This same "small, weak and disorganised" bunch is STILL the reigning World Champion.
Peeping_Tom
Clemenza
To compare the USA men with England just shows a certain "level" of football knowledge.
And it's true I "hate" America, as you put it, but made a point of NEVER living there.
Can we say the same about all you Japan haters?
danalawton1@yahoo.com
It was a Rout... by the 4th goal the U.S. was not playing aggressively. Had they actually continued to play the whole 90 minutes like their life depended on it, it would have been worse. I think Germany would have beaten Japan too.
itsonlyrocknroll
Football 'it's a funny old game', you win some you lose some, the best team won today, be humble in victory and gracious in defeat
So let's raise a glass of saké to Jill Ellis, and team USA, and caution, tomorrow is another day and Nadeshiko with professionalism and single mindedness, will be taking the title and the trophy back.
USNinJapan2
Peeping Tom
Nadeshiko Japan indeed remained defending champions until the final whistle today, but anyone who watched their stumble through the group stage should have realized long ago that they were lame ducks. Curious that you didn't. Perhaps you should stop watching so much Japanese TV?
Peeping_Tom
Zenpun
Didn't the "small, weak and "disorganised" win in 2011, against this same USA???
Were they tall, big and strong and well organised then?
Nobody is saying the US didn't play well today.
Just hold on to your horses because football is full of surprises.
They will see each other for years to come.
?the Olympics are right around the corner.
Wc626
"BRING IT !"
clamenza
Peeping_Tom
Where in my post does it say I hate Japan? In fact I live here and love it, unlike you who has nothing but pure hatred for a country you have never been to.
And England are ranked 15th in the world, while 'Merica is 27th. Not a huge gulf at all. Especially since the US have exactly the same number of trophies as England in the last half century; Zero!
wtfjapan
ah Tina first time you havent been thumbed down for a while, must be painful to see gaijin win!? oops spoke too soon.
sandhonour
USA deserved to win. Well done.
Jimizo
No arguments there. As a neutral, it was good to see a game not decided by a dodgy decision. Although I didn't want to see Japan or the USA hammered, I think the Japanese coach did need to be taken down a peg or two. Or five.
nath
Yes, tinawatanabe, Japan's coach DID say that they deserved to win against England. It was an unneeded comment. Unfortunately, Japan;s team paid the price for his words today.
Quote: "Coach Norio Sasaki believes his Japan side deserved their FIFA Women’s World Cup semi-final 2-1 win over England at the Commonwealth Stadium on Wednesday (local time)."
Source: http://www.the-afc.com/japan-2015-fifa-womens-world-cup/nadeshiko-deserved-the-win-says-delighted-sasaki
Peeping_Tom
Clemenza
You just made me laff.
I go to the US every year, not because I want to but because my girl's parents own a house there which needs looking after.
And ranking of 15 to 27 mean absolutely nothing.
We play in Europe against World opposition.
The US plays against Barbados et al.; occasionally they win a friendly against a dumbed, unmotivated Germany and convince themselves to be it!
England will smack the US more times than they can ever think of doing it to us
clamenza
Peeping_Tom - So you visit the states every year, yet absolutely hate it. Thats gotta suck even more than defending English soccer!
ratpack
That first 20 minutes was amazing. Japan were totally shellshocked. The US played that first 20 minutes as if they were behind on the scoreboard and they only had minutes to play. They were attacking everything everywhere. Amazing opening by the US.
Peeping_Tom
Yeah, the same England that won is '66.
The same cup America never won after, or since 1966.
clamenza
'66? Lets see, '66.....
Oh yeah! I remember seeing those old black and white movies when I was a kid. Too bad you weren't alive to see it eh? Soccer is a funny old game...
Peeping_Tom
No I wasn't alive then.
Oh, well there's always YouTube.
I'm searching but couldn't find a US win.
Even in black $ white.
tinawatanabe
Jason
I saw your link, It was the reporter that wrote that way, but Sasaki did not say that. Also Sasaki did not speak in English. Sasaki is not arrogant person, and his son in law is British.
clamenza
Yeah, that'll happen when soccer is 10th or 11th on the popularity meter, right below poker..
Still, they'll win a WC before England will!
DaDude
Has it ever occurred to you that not EVERYBODY is a soccer fan? In fact, believe it or not, there are people who don't even like sports. I have brought up the topic to plenty of people regarding baseball and/or the World Cup and the conversation ended faster than it started.
Texas A&M Aggie
And the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night, that our flag was still there.....
USA!!! USA!!! USA!!!
Peeping_Tom
"Still, they'll win a WC before England will!"
And this foolish comment is based on..?!
You should be happy in getting our rejects and oldies from the Premiership.
They are all the rage in the good US of A.
Zenpun
Peeping_TomJul. 06, 2015 - 11:49AM JST
No disrespect to Japanese fans. I am just neutral football or soccer fan. Japan won USA back in 2011 with penalties shoot out as lottery. However Japan will not win lottery for every world cup.
Some were taller and stronger. Back in 2011, Japan had more hungers for success. 2011 Japanese women team wanted to die in the field for not surrendering USA. 2015 Japanese team is the different story.
USA older generations lacked the interest in soccer unlike Europeans and South Americans. Their soccer history is not well established like UK, Germany or Italy and Spain. How far their women team has become stronger and stronger is beyond my wisdom.
USA Women team won a Gold medal in London soccer Olympic game. They have won every games without draws or losses during London Olympic. Since then they are well prepared for WC and destined to become the Champion of the world.
It is hard for me to believe that they are real women. They can run faster, jump higher and kick stronger than average men. Some of the wining goals from final match were shot from long distance.
Their success have not become overnight. They worked hard and hungry and committed for winning. They are destined for the trophy and they are well deserved for that.
As a football or soccer fan since 1960s, I pay my great respect to USA women team for winning four goals within twenty minutes. In my living memory, it was the extraordinary and incredible moment.
Jimizo
'And the rockets red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night, that our flag was still there.....
USA!!! USA!!! USA!!!'
How cute.
Wc626
Carli Lloyd! Pikachu crying. Cool vid too.<>http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2015/7/2/8887283/carli-lloyd-usa-japan-2015-womens-world-cup-final
Peeping_Tom
I have congratulated the American team. More than many perhaps,
Just don't buy this USA is the best, and no one is ever going to stop us attitude.
Moderator
Readers, please leave all acrimony off this thread.
Lesly Furm
Am I the only one who thinks these women do not epitomize the original meaning of Nadeshiko....don't take my word for it, from wiki *" Yamato nadeshiko (やまとなでしこ or 大和撫子?) is a Japanese term meaning the "personification of an idealized Japanese woman",[1] or "the epitome of pure, feminine beauty".[2] It is a floral metaphor,[3] combining the words Yamato, an ancient name for Japan, and nadeshiko, a delicate frilled pink carnation called Dianthus superbus, whose kanji translate into English as "caressable child" (or "wide-eyed barley").[4][5]**
Obviously, this isn't a beauty sport, but perhaps a name with more chutzpah like the "Iron Maidens", would be more reflective of how they look and could also strike fear into opponents, especially if they enter the stadium WWF style while Iron Maiden blasts in the background.....Japanese female wrestlers command respect worldwide you know!
*
some14some
US scored 1st goal within two minutes, 2nd within five min. and 3rd within less than 15min....game over ! congrats team USA !
Wc626
Nadeshiko got spanked by the americans right in front of worldwide viewers too-
tinawatanabe
I hope Nadeshiko improved women's football status in Japan and that they won't have to do part time jobs any more.
nath
Except that they just proved they are.
Peeping_Tom
Clemenza
You may need a thesaurus to read my posts again.
Np difference between my "hate" from America from all the hatred you bashers have for Japan.
It's the same, equally.
Wc626
Let's not make excuses for a humiliating "loss" suffered by nadeshiko.
. . . And that's the bottom line-
nakanoguy01
love the result but i'm sure i'm not alone for wanting a closer match. it was all over by the 16th minute! Sad to say it but this will be the end of an era for both teams, with aging stars set to retire. A new group of women will be meeting in the next olympics and WC. Thanks for giving us so much joy and pleasure these past eight, ladies.
Texas A&M Aggie
Looks like it'll be the cargo hold instead of economy class seats for the Japanese team when they fly back home.
Nobusaki
Nadeshiko supporter here and this is my insight on JPN vs USA match.
I watched all but one of Japan's FIFA games and noticed something was a bit off with their play. It wasn't stellar fancy football but very tactical. Patient, methodical football. The Nadeshiko's strong points are in their midfield and weakest on defense; average in offense.
Japan struggled with teams like Australia and England (rightfully so because they have met the Aussies so many times and England being ranked 6th.) On the other hand, USA had to play against Columbia, China, Germany to reach the finals.
If the Germans couldn't beat USA that's when I knew Japan was going to be in trouble.
Great game by the Americans, truly deserving of the win with the beautiful display of football they showed today.
Jimizo
'Great game by the Americans, truly deserving of the win with the beautiful display of football they showed today.'
Great post. Gracious in defeat. A pity some aren't as gracious in victory.
nath
I happy for team USA and SAD for NADESHIKO Japan. Otsukaresama!
ProudJapanese
Thank you Jimizo. I learn you must be humble winner
Spanki
It was a good game, well done USA. The womens football has been good to watch as they don't roll around on the floor or harass the ref for their decisions, so the games tend to have a pretty high and flowing tempo. All the professional male footballers out there take note, THE WOMEN DON'T PLAY LIKE 'GIRLS'.
Megumi Shakti
YouTube Channel: FIFA Coach Sasaki complains that the fans were TOO loud and his players couldn't hear his instructions. Very rude of the fans chanting USA over and over again.
Check it out! Post game interview FIFA Sasaki
Jimizo
'Thank you Jimizo. I learn you must be humble winner'
Please don't misunderstand me. I'm English and didn't really give toss who won. I wanted the best side to win and they did. I just can't stand childish, patriotic nonsense. Irritating crap.
Wc626
It's okay to gloat & be a little childish. NOBODY in this thread can spoil a dominating US win. I knew it! When the score was 4-0 early on, there would be haters trying to discredit the americans any which they can.
clamenza
Spanki brings up a great point as to why men's soccer will never be taken seriously in North America. The diving, crying etc. will never be accepted by fans.
I saw 3 or 4 women go down today and pop back up, no matter the discomfort. The "men", meanwhile, all look like they're auditioning for broadway plays.
Raymond Chuang
For a while I thought I was looking at Germany beating up on Brazil in the Men's World Cup semifinal from last year. Once the US team two goals in quick succession, it was essentially game over for the Japanese, who were playing well until the Final.
SuperLib
Sooooo happy about the result!!!!!!
Christopher Glen
Yes.
No
nath
Was a good run while it lasted nothing to be shamed about
ClippetyClop
Despite having lived in Japan for a decade and really enjoy living here, I have to admit I do enjoy it when they get a good old pasting in football. Hard to explain.
Greenleaf
Well done to Japan for making the final, I am sure that the whole nation must be very proud. You always played with integrity and passion and achieved so very much ;-)
smithinjapan
DaDude: "has it ever occurred to you that not EVERYBODY is a soccer fan?"
You ever hear of exaggeration? Of COURSE not everyone is a fan, but those conversations that you said 'died before they began' would have been full of life had Japan won, which is my point, and the point of many others; if people aren't sports fans and don't want to talk about it, great! if they aren't sports fans but are suddenly talking about Nadeshiko Japan or Nishikori when said team/players do well and then are silent again then they shouldn't bother getting on the bandwagon at all. I HOPE that despite Japan losing in the final that this has increased the popularity of women's soccer in Japan, but my guess is without that win at the end a lot of people are going to do what they usually do here -- stop talking today about what they were excited about and talking about (despite not being true fans) only yesterday. As some said (unfortunately in many cases sarcastically) on the Pic of the Day with the Japan fan, "I hope he's still a fan now" when the US was up 4-0, I TRULY hope the person is still a fan and still supports the team despite the loss. Some most assuredly are not.
Megumi Shakti: "YouTube Channel: FIFA Coach Sasaki complains that the fans were TOO loud and his players couldn't hear his instructions. Very rude of the fans chanting USA over and over again. Check it out! Post game interview FIFA Sasaki"
I KNEW it!! Check my earlier comment and you'll see that I said he would be making excuses about SOMETHING, and I was right! The guy is an arrogant lout, despite tinawatanabe saying he is not (which she was proven wrong about when she said he did not say they deserved to win against England), and she even quotes him as saying, "The crowd wanted Japan to win so the ball went in," (against England). Now he's complaining about the crowd?? I he doesn't like a crowd cheering for the team they like as long as it's not Japan, he should pack up his bags and quit! If they were chanting for Japan you can bet he'd not be complaining or making excuses.
Peeping_Tom
"Just don't buy this USA is the best, and no one is ever going to stop us attitude".
My words.
"Except that they just proved they are."
Your words,,
Therefore, they are the bes and nobody is goind to stop them.
smithinjapan
Peeping_Tom: The US won, not only fair and square, but it was a slaughter. They are the World Champions, and the best team, and they fought hard and proved that. You can't deny it, plain and simple. Japan, on the other hand, proved that they were incapable of beating a superior team. They did good in getting a single goal by way of a small comeback (the second was an own-goal), but the fact remains they were the lesser of the two teams.
lostrune2
The US women saved their best for last. Early in the tournament, even when winning and not giving up goals, the common scrutiny by American analysts was about their lackluster play, particularly starting slow in the first half (so many of their matches were tied 0-0 at halftime).
But the team got better the deeper they got into the tournament, particularly after a striking change in formation: benching captain and world-class forward Abby Wambach in order to pair 2 speedier strikers and putting Carli Lloyd behind them. (To Wambach's credit, she's fine whatever it takes to win the Cup.) Then the team achieved much better flow, culminating in their tournament-high scoring game for their Final match, scorching at the start.
Kudos to Japan. The US took them right out of their comfort zone (methodical deliberate play) from the get-go, but proud of tallying more goals against the US than any other team could do.
Most the same squads will likely be there for next year's 2016 Rio Olympics, then that'll be the swan-song for many of their veterans, instead largely whole new squads if they qualify for the 2019 World Cup in France. (Meanwhile, the US and Germany have good pipelines from youth to senior squads, with both teams alternating titles of the last 4 editions of U-20 World Cups.)
genjuro
Congratulations to the US Team. A brilliant performance without any doubt. Totally deserving of their victory.
A truly great effort from the Nadeshiko girls. The fact that they reached the finals again show that they're top class. Chin up, girls! And lastly, a big otsukare sama to former captain Sawa for the tremendous leadership and contributions she's made to make Team Nadeshiko what it is now. I'll definitely be missing her awesome moves on the pitch.
Looking forward to Rio 2016!
nath
No. In my post, I only quoted "Just don't buy this USA is the best", and I pointed out that they just proved they are the best. I'm sure someone else will stop them someday. But today, they are the best.
Wc626
If that is true, just curious: For those of us not living there, were they doing that today?
The staff @ a nearby convenience store wore blue jerseys, but they all had gloomy sad faces. Maybe its just the rainy weather we're having today.
gaijin6000
I just left a company meeting. Mosly foriegners, very few from the U.S. I live in Japan, and still haven't learned to 'like' soccer. Non of our workers ever mentioned soccer. I don't think anyone cares tbh. Some may, but i think the majority of U.S. citizens still prefer American football over soccer imo. Anyhow, keep on trying Japan. It doesn't matter with me either way.
itsonlyrocknroll
Hi Tina I am afraid women's football irrespective of nationality will always play second fiddle to the men's game, sponsorship plays a major part...
England women's football: Maternity disputes, double lives and a bid for World Cup glory.... It all handbags, Nadeshiko will be back and in style, the trophy is just on loan to the US to polish every now and then......
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/womens-life/11659926/England-womens-football-World-Cup-glory-and-maternity-disputes.html
The Apartment
England would have done much much better !!
Kurobune
Wow ! Simply put, wow ! Congrats, USA ! Nadeshiko, Otsukaresama !
Maria
BAH!
Jimizo
'Looking forward to Rio 2016!'
That young Chinese side could be a threat in 2016.
Does my opinion warrant a thumbs down?
smithinjapan
tinawatanabe: "I hope Nadeshiko improved women's football status in Japan and that they won't have to do part time jobs any more."
I hope they have improved the status of soccer, women's or just in general, in Japan as well, but I highly doubt that it has among society as a whole. There are probably more young girls who are interested in playing, which is good, but since they lost probably a whole lot of people that were 'interested' have stopped being interested all of a sudden. Especially with the score being what it was, it would be hard to rally more sponsors for the team, or money from the government, like with the men (and despite the women having done better in WC standings). I wish they could also have enough investment to make soccer a full-time career like the men, but that seems to be a long time away, if ever, in many nations.
lucabrasi
@Jimizo
No. Why should it?
Jimizo
@Luca It's just that many posters have been getting thumbed down for expressing their support for Japan. I just wonder what warrants a thumbs-down.
lucabrasi
@Jim
; )
misunderstood
The USA Beat Japan in the last Olympics, Japan won the last World Cup on a shoot out that's anyone's game. Anyways congratulations to the Second place runner up Japan. It just seemed as if the Samurai Spirit got crushed early by the SPIRIT OF 76. Way to go USA women what a way to extend the USA a 4th of July National Holiday in the Spirit of 76 the red white and blue!!! Oh I do have one complaint why would the mews media want to throw dirt on a celebration "Hope Solo won her second straight Golden Glove as top goalkeeper of the tournament. She played despite critics who urged the U.S. Soccer Federation to drop her after she initially faced two misdemeanor counts of domestic violence from a June 2014 altercation at her half-sister’s house, charges that were dismissed earlier this year". Why would the media even want to get into personal business, that has nothing to do with the final score!! The final score simply put 5-2 and Japan has not beat the US since the last world cup and that was on a shoot out!! Yes a win is a win, but the Coach HOW ARROGANT he complained that he could not give instructions to his players because of the crowd shouting USA USA. My question is would it have been different if they had been shouting Japan. What a lousy excuse if he want total silence during a sporting event I suggest he go coach golf or tennis!! Anyways great game unfortunately some one had to lose and the BEST TEAM WON!! AGAIN
Wc626
No. What had happened was, people were getting the thumbs down cause they accused the US women of using steroids. & attributed those false accusations to the US 5-2 victory. But thankfully, JT deleted those bogus accusations. The US won fair & square. Some people just couldn't hack it-
lucabrasi
@Wc6
Can't argue with that, much as I wanted Japan to win.
Well done the Yanks!
Peeping_Tom
"Japan may have lost their title as FIFA Women’s World Cup™ champions but they maintained their pride, displaying trademark characteristics of resilience and mental fortitude in the Canada 2015 decider. Japan made an unthinkably bad start in Vancouver falling four goals behind inside 16 minutes, a period which included a 13-minute Carli Lloyd treble, before eventually suffering a 5-2 defeat.
It was the kind of opening that would break most teams. But Japan’s staying power is renowned and has been a factor in the team reaching a second successive Women’s World Cup Final following six successive one-goal wins. That spirit first became apparent four years ago at Germany 2011, where Japan twice came from behind before outlasting USA in the Final on penalties for their maiden crown.
This time there was to be no way back from the early setback but that didn’t stop Japan pressing USA all the way, scoring twice and even marginally coming out on top in the possession stakes. “We didn’t have the quality to handle what USA threw at us in the final,” goalscorer Yuki Ogimi told FIFA.com. “We have to admit that we didn’t have it today. In that sense USA were better than us. "
http://www.fifa.com/womensworldcup/news/y=2015/m=7/news=pride-and-lament-for-dethroned-queens-2661343.html
Never mind that Japan even won the possession rates. Iit was a total MASSACRE from sucker experts who propably watch football once every four years.
Jimizo
'Never mind that Japan even won the possession rates. Iit was a total MASSACRE from sucker experts who propably watch football'
I've watched my side get stuffed quite a few times. What's your counter chant to "4-0!"? "60% possession!"? It was a hiding, lad. No two ways about it.
AlexCook
A team that was in the finals because of a fluke own goal win. Yeah, Japan did get exposed.
LostinNagoya
Well done, USA. It was a beautiful game, both sides were eager to win, and USA had total control. That third goal by Lloyd is one of the most beautiful ever in World Cups, be it men's or women's. A picture. That said, I don't agree with people bashing Nadeshiko. Every great team has lost decisive games. One loses today, and becomes a champion tomorrow. By any measures, reaching the finals against USA was already a great achievement. Second place is a victory.
lucabrasi
@Lost
Sweet post, but that just ain't true. As you know ; )
smithinjapan
Peeping Tom: "In that sense USA were better than us. "
Not in a sense, in EVERY sense. The Japan team were, bottom line, inferior to the US team, and were massacred when it counted most. And they didn't score two goals, they scored one. The second was an own-goal counted against the US.
As Jimizo also said, it was a stuffing. Who are the champions, Peeping Tom? Who are the greatest team? The answer to that is the team that won. Japan are former champions, and did somewhat well in this tournament, handed at least one other game to them, and they have nothing to be ashamed of, nor do the fans have anything to be bitter about even though they spout rancor and hate when they say, "I could care less about Japan losing".
Be proud of Japan, as we all are. They just aren't the best is all. I think all of the ladies did well, win or lose, and hopefully the outstanding attendance in Canada vs. previous women's WCs is an indication that the sport is getting a little more of the attention it deserves. Hopefully the Japanese women's performance, despite not winning, brings more attention to it here as well instead of the usual shut down because they did not win.
Peeping_Tom
Strangerland,
No bitter than you and your miserable life in Japan.
Smithinjapan
Canada are the real champions. I don't needt to be proud of any Japanese, as I'm not one of them.
You want to be one, only think they rejected you, hence the bitterness.
Wc626
LoL. Like a blow-out 4-0 run in tha' friggin' first 20 or so minutes? Beyond getting "stuffed", wouldn't you say?
Peeping_Tom
Smith,
You should stick with maple syrup, as this is the only thing your lot can do well.
Your takes on "it was an own goal", "it was a penalty" only shows what you really know about football:
Sweat f.a.
And no! I don't care about Japan's loss. Your cheap psychology does not work here.
You and Strangerland are the ones under the Japanese diktat, not moi. You are the ones squalling like a rat every day on this site
Moderator: You can have 24 hours off from posting.
melonbarmonster
You kind of saw that coming. US was peaking at the right moment and IMO the winning team is the best women's football team ever. Good on Japan for making it 4-2 at one point in the game but US would've rolled over any team in the tournament.
Wc626
LoL. But it was a massacre, 5-2. Even japanese fans were saying stuff like, "Have mercy", "This is embarrassing."-and drank their blues away, all morning.
When it looks like it, tastes like it, smells like it- You call it what it is. Massacre!
Nobusaki
Japanese supporters should be proud of what their Nadeshiko has accomplished and how far they have come.
Look at the past history of Japan being in the Women's World Cup:
1991: 0-3 Failed to Advanced to Quarter-Finals. 1995: 0-4 loss against USA in Quarter-Finals. 1999: 0-1-2 Failed to Advanced to Quarter-Finals. 2003: 1-0-2. Failed to Advanced to Quarter-Finals. 2007: 1-1-1. Failed to Advanced to Quarter-Finals. 2011: Champions. 2015: Second-place.
Please stop hating on the Nadeshiko, they played their hearts out there for us; atleast we could show our appreciation for their accomplishments and undivided determination to win for the nation.
Yumster100
I found an interview with the Japanese coach!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZMu0uc-xMM
He seems really respectful to me? Not really resentful, sore loser, etc.
notasap
Boy the comments are just ridiculous. 5-2 is a blowout but it represents the reality of the day. Reality is that any good team can beat anyone but not all the time. Japan and the US are good teams. The USA was the better team and now best in the world because they clicked when it counted. Japanese Women Team did not give up. The played well after getting shell-shocked in the first 16 min. They got on the board and were almost immediately answered by the US, something that really hurts when you are trying to dig out from being down 3 or 4 goals. There is a psychological aspect to soccer that many don't get or have forgotten. You can be the better team and lose. You can prove you are the best team by controlling the game. The US did that. They controlled the game for the most part and did not let Japan get the momentum that they need to fight back. The Japanese coach should be commended his subbing was perfect, fortunately the USA were too strong. The subs did have an impact but not enough. Japan also had spells where they seemed to be ball watching instead of moving to the ball. The US had several good counter attacks due to Japanese mid-fielders and their forwards standing their waiting for the pass only for it to be picked off and then dished out quickly leaving the Japanese exposed. It was a good game if you were an American or liked high scoring. I hope the same teams meat again in four years.
Yumster100
@notasap: Great comment! I also thought Japan did well on not giving up. They went 100% up until the very end. Did you check out the part where the Japanese girls huddled after the 3rd goal(?) trying to regroup? I thought that was awesome. Also, the part where Sawa shook and acknowledged Wombach when she came in? Total respect for each other.
cornbread1
First, congrats to USWNT for soundly beating Nadeshiko Japan. They were more prepared and aggressive from the get go. Nadeshiko looked very disorganized, their usually crisp passing and lock down defense went AWOL. Though Nadeshiko had a great World Cup overall and Manager Sasaki has done a great job overall, I would put Manager Sasaki as the one responsible for the poor showing of Nadeshiko in the finals. After beating England in the semis, the words that came out of Sasaki's mouth made it seem like it was all over as he kept repeatedly saying, now it is time for the women (players) to enjoy themselves. The head of the team should not be saying such things, much less in public, after all, how many opportunities does a team have to vie for the championship?
maglev101
Talk about class: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/usa/11720045/Internet-reaches-peak-stupid-as-USA-fans-compare-football-win-to-attack-on-Pearl-Harbor.html
smithinjapan
maglev: others have posted that and similar links to the article on other threads and it was pointed out that even in the article there were far more users who got angry at the posters and called them tasteless than there were tasteless posts. Still tasteless comments to be made, and very disgusting to boot, but not at all representative of what most fans think of the massacre.
Tamarama
The US team smashed them looked like girls playing women.
But absolutely disgusted with this:
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-33405094
What a disgrace. Some US supporters on this thread could do with learning to win humbly also.
therougou
Yeh, they got all the way to the final due to an own goal. Don't forget England were never even winning the match, lol.
5-2 is bad, but not as bad as 7-1 I guess. Considering how fast the first 4 goals were scored, they did well after that. Either that or the US showed some mercy. Hard to explain how such an experienced team got off to such a bad start though. And the one person they know is dangerous to them scores a hat trick in like 15 minutes. That was inexcusable.
Megumi Shakti
That 4th goal that came from midfield was like a tombstone dropping from the sky with a "CLUDD" as it impacted at the head of the moist freshly covered grave. I could see Nadeshiko's name on it with the Hinode Flag etched into the stone. There was no coming back.
I can see the revisionist already hard at work trying to redefine this loss. Maybe history books will refer to Nadeshiko as a private team that is NOT officially the Japan WNT.
Christopher Glen
Possibly
KeithinUSA
Greetings from Keith in Maine, USA :), I am so proud and happy for our soccer team and our nation; USA . Wow! What a wonderful belated birthday present for all Americans. I am retired Navy and loved every minute of serving and traveling all over this awesome country of ours. This was the perfect fourth of July weekend. Thank you U.S. ladies and thank you U.S. soccer association, job well done, outstanding! My congratulations to team Japan and the entire nation of Japan. I guess in life, a little luck is needed, and the header from England was a bitter sweet gift to Japan. Bittersweet, in that, Japan knew how this story would end and what was coming down track so to speak. Their luck ran out in a 5-2 pounding and they had to "endure the unendurable and bear the unbearable...". The coach of Japan should be a better student of history and watch his comments. I have wonderful friends who are Japanese living and working in the U.S. along with amazing American born Japanese-Americans. I wish both nations continued friendship unconditional openness and honesty. Lets do this again in four years and in 2016, if you qualify ;). Don't worry, we'll be waiting :).
Educationist
Japan is a men dominated society. No where in the civilized world women soccer team is coached by a man. The day Japan finds a good woman soccer coach either from Sweden or England or Germany they would see the light of the day.The poor girls of Japan really did well but what wins the game is the technique of playing a good passing game coupled with dribbling and dodging; not to speak of able to take the ball single handed from the 22 yds to the goal as demonstrated by players like Mardona, Pele, Christiano Ronaldo or Messi.
lucabrasi
The England team is. They did pretty well. And nobody complained....
nath
tinawatanabe I suppose you didn't read this ending part of the link I posted: nadeshiko-deserved-the-win-says-delighted-sasaki
And let's not be so disingenuous as to blame the translator/translation.
tinawatanabe
Jason, I read your link again, still I did not find the phrase excpet in the title, but the article includes other things he said which the reporter probably summarized as deserved to win because no quotation marks.
Wc626
England is England. The US is the US. Most US black women dominate the sport of Basketball. Track n' Field too. Ever heard of Serena Williams?
misunderstood
@Wc626 there is more money on the table for basketball and track and field. Soccer is a relatively new sport that is starting to take hold in the US.
Patrick Kimura-Macke
No one was marking Lloyd for either the first goal or the second goal. The commentary I was listening to pointed it out beforehand. Inexplicable. They threw the match away, and for the spectators it could have been a much closer and intense match. Disappointing.