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© Copyright 2011 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.What to watch for when Japan-US play in WCup final
FRANKFURT, Germany©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.
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Canadian Universities
"Team USA vs. Japan women’s soccer: representing two countries, two cultures." Read full article here: http://sciencewitness.com/
nandakandamanda
There's only one question. Is Hope Solo single?
hudagree
Should be a nice game in contrast styles. US has beaten Japan in past but again it is always game by game. Wambach has been awesome in Cup play.
sojherde
@nandakandamanda.NO. In soccer the keeper is never alone but has 10 players before him(or her). The same is true for the Japanese keeper.
takobeya
Should be a cracking match... either team would be a worthy winner. Let's only hope the outcome is not decided by dodgy officiating, which has marred some of the matches in this tournament. Thankfully, neither the US nor the Japan team tend strongly toward theatrical diving and fake injuries (although, it's amazing how easy is is to lose one's sense of balance in front of the goal...)
Howdy Doody
I don't necessarily think that is a bad thing. Yes, with the advent of Twitter, Hollywood stars like Tom Hanks have suddenly come out in support of their women's team. But, as Mia Hamm recently said, she is happy that the popularity of women's soccer is growing in not only her country, but around the world. The sudden surge of teams like Equatorial Guinea and New Zealand out of nowhere proves that interest is growing and there will be an expansion of teams at future World Cups.
This whole tournament had many exciting games, which showed the parity growing. Before, there were only a few really good teams out there (Germany, USA, and Brazil). Now, teams like Sweden, Japan, France, and Australia have been making their mark. I'm really looking forward to this match between the U.S. and Japan. It will be fun to see the technical skills of the Japanese go against the might of the U.S. I foresee a tight contest. If it goes to PKs (which I hope it won't), the U.S. wins. If Japan can limit the number of set pieces from the U.S and control possession., then it wins. Otherwise, I could see Wambach's head being the difference in a 2-1 or 3-2 U.S. win.
ihavegreatlegs
3AM in Japan, and 2PM on the East Coast in America. Will hit the waves this morning and grab a seat on the couch for the game. Cannot decide who to root for.
BurakuminDes
I see no reason why the Japanese ladies can't shock the world and win the world cup. It would be the perfect "Cinderella story", and make great headlines around the world - winning it for the tsunami victims and so on. Now that I've tipped them, they will probably be trounced 5-zip by the Yanks!
Iowan
ihavegreatlegs: okay, legs are okay. Go Japan!
CruzControl
Grrrr.... Still looking for a place in Okinawa to watch the game.
Serrano
"If the Americans can't get the ball they can't score"
Really! Does that go for the Japanese too?
Serrano
nanda: "Is Hope Solo single?"
She is!
tenguleavings
At some point in the match, the ball will fly high and true, far out of the reach of the players beneath, but certainly not as far out of reach as nanda's point flying over your head.
Hide Suzuki
@tideofiron "Nothing like blind nationalism to bring the idiots out of the woodwork." It's hilarious to read idiots' condescending comments, as if this happens only to Japan or the US.
Wolfpack
@tideofiron:
Why wouldn't people feel a closer interest in a team from their own country? Supporting your own team doesn't presuppose anything negative towards the other team. Sure, I hope the US wins, but I like the Japanese team also and it will not ruin my day if they were to win. As for having a sudden interest in sports, if it wasn't for the nationality angle, hardly anyone would pay attention to most sports contested in the Summer or Winter Olympics. The world isn't as black and white as your statement suggests.
Psyops
mmm Hope Solo, the only reason I will even watch this game... win lose or draw i dont care, just wanna see Hope Solo ☆☆☆
globalwatcher
legs, same here. As my rule, I go for underdog as always.
TokyoGas
Congrats to Japan. But I hate to see teams win on penalty kicks. It was a good game!
Kwaabish
Congrats to Nadeshiko Japan!
Mark_McCracken
Congratulations to Japan.
genjuro
Congrats to Team Japan! Well done, ladies! That was one heck of a game, 2-2. Just when I thought it was game over when the US had the lead out of the blue Japan came back with a goal. Once OT ended and the game was tied you could tell team Japan felt no pressure and kept their cool, and that decided the PK. Awesome job, Team Japan! World Cup champions 2011!
IBHMC
Well, what a storyline for Japan. USA completely collapsed. (Can't win em all, right?) Really good effort by the Japanese.
ihavegreatlegs
Brilliant ending. Omedetogozaimasu!
globalwatcher
Well played. Congratulations to Japan!!
ka_chan
Good game. Congratulations to the women of Japan.
herefornow
Congratulations to Japan. On this day, the better and more deserving team won.
Relax_Am_Here
Congrats to the lovely Ladies of Japan. A beautiful note on this July 17. With Love from a far away country.
Lynn Aoki
Fantastic Nippon! Great advert for women's football. And so refreshing to see players getting up straight after a tackle, and not feighning injury to get an opposition player sent off! Brilliant!