By JUAN CARLOS CORDERO, UNO International News Service.-
At the beginning of the Japan and United final in Germany 2011 Women's World Cup, it seemed that the Americans will dominate without a challenge. Rapinoe was very active in the middle and passing balls to Wambach - a real threat on the Japanese net - and a lot of pressure from United States was hurting the Asian team.
However, Japan had a variety of technical skills, tactical movements and a careful ball possession game, galvanized by the suffering of their country's tsunami and earthquakes, battling even with one player less due to a red card for a late foul on Morgan.
USA started strong: Wambach hit the bar, near 30 minutes. But a pass of Japan behind the USA defense, showed that it wouldn't be so easy. Unfortunately for the blue team, its striker shot softly. It could be a goal. And immediately, number 12 missed a chance to scored with a header for USA.
The stats report showed that USA had 12 shots on the Japanese net against 5 of its rivals in the first half. But Japn had 57% of the ball possession.
The second period was similar, with USA putting all the powerful physical stamina and loking to score in all the ways possible with Wambach and Rapinoe in the assistance. Until 68', when substitute Alex Morgan received a long pass by Rapinoe, after a Japanese attach, and in the counter-attack Morgan shot to score with her left foot.
JAPAN 2:2 USA a.e.t. (1:1, 0:0) 3:1 PSO
Aya MIYAMA (81')
Homare SAWA (117')
Alex MORGAN (69')
Abby WAMBACH (104')
Match 32 - Group Frankfurt/Main
FIFA Women´s World Cup Stadium, FrankfurtReferee: Bibiana STEINHAUS
Japan are FIFA Women’s World Cup champions for the first time after a penalty shootout victory over USA, following a drama-charged 2-2 draw in Frankfurt.
Defender Saki Kumagai had the honour of hitting home the decisive spot-kick as Japan triumphed 3-1 in the shootout. USA were twice pegged back but it took Homare Sawa to equalise three minutes from the end of extra time to force penalties.
USA created numerous goalscoring opportunities throughout the match but Aya Miyama’s goal nine minutes from the end of the 90 minutes forced extra time, after Alex Morgan had given the Stars and Stripes the lead on 69 minutes. Abby Wambach seemed set to have scored the winner on 104 minutes until Sawa’s late intervention.
The tone was set for a strong USA performance with the two-time world champions showing their intent from the opening whistle. Lauren Cheney forced a save from Ayumi Kaihori with a shot from a highly acute angle, after the forward had outmuscled Azusa Iwashimizu just 25 second into the contest.
On eight minutes, Megan Rapinoe found some space on the left and her excellent near post ball was turned just wide by Cheney. Barely a minute later, Wambach fired a shot over as USA maintained their bright start.
Carli Lloyd could then easily have opened the scoring when Japan were unable to deal with Wambach’s presence under a high early cross into the penalty area. The ball fell kindly for the midfielder but she blazed narrowly over the crossbar from 15 metres.
Rapinoe then pushed the ball wide at the near post in a move reminiscent of Cheney’s effort a few minutes earlier.
Unlike recent matches, Japan were struggling to maintain any possession in midfield. USA kept up their attacking raids as the lively Rapinoe burst into the area on the left and blazed a shot against the outside of Kaihori’s post.
The match started to settle by the midway point of the opening half, and Japan finally had their first shot of note on 22 minutes, but Shinobu Ohno’s strike was wayward.
The moment of the first half came on 29 minutes as Wambach, USA’s all-time top FIFA Women’s World Cup goalscorer, hit a stunning shot from close to the corner of the penalty area which rattled the underside of the crossbar and away to safety, with Kaihori well beaten.
Japan finally displayed some of their semi-final form just past the half-hour mark as Ohno threaded a pass behind the defence, but Kozue Ando was unable to get power on her effort from a good shooting position.
Cheney then pushed a looping header onto the roof of the net after a long ball deceived a static Japan backline.
USA commenced the second half in much the same way they did the first. Just four minutes after the interval, Heather O’Reilly crossed from the right and Morgan, who came on for Cheney during the break, pushed her near post effort against the post.
O’Reilly then blasted a shot against the side-netting from distance, while Wambach skied a good opportunity after being set free by a delightful Rapinoe ball.
Just past the hour mark, Sawa, enjoying a rare moment of time on the ball in the attacking third, threaded a smart pass for Yukari Kinga but the defender’s shot was well wide.
Minutes later Wambach’s smart header forced an excellent save from Kaihori as USA pushed ever closer to an opener.
Finally USA secured reward for their dominance with the opening goal on 69 minutes as Morgan broke the deadlock with her second of the tournament. A quick counter attack saw Rapinoe play an excellent ball through for Morgan to use her strength to hold off a defender, before hitting a perfect finish past Kaihori.
The 22-year-old Morgan again proved herself as a player for the big occasion, having hit the winner for USA against Korea DPR in the final of the 2008 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
Japan equalised somewhat against the run of play 12 minutes later as a cross from the right caused chaos in the USA defence, with Miyama taking full advantage to push the ball past Hope Solo from close range.
The match was end-to-end in the remaining minutes with Kinga and O’Reilly both firing good efforts in on goal without being able to break the deadlock. So for the fourth time in six FIFA Women’s World Cup Finals, 90 minutes proved not enough to find a winner.
The match continued in an open fashion and at a high tempo following the recommencement. Morgan carved out the first opening of extra time only to shoot askew after getting the better of two defenders.
USA again took the lead one minute prior to the end of the opening period of extra time. Wambach powered home a bullet header from close range following Morgan’s precise cross. It was Wambach’s fourth of the tournament, all from headers.
With five minutes remaining, Kinga pushed the ball past the onrushing Solo with only a clearance from retreating captain Christie Rampone denying an equaliser.
However, from the ensuing corner, Sawa equalised by diverting Miyama’s corner with just three minutes remaining. The goal not only ensured the match would be decided by penalties but lifted Sawa into the outright lead as top goalscorer, with five goals. Iwashimizu was then sent off for a professional foul as time ran out.
Shannon Boxx, Carli Lloyd and Tobin Heath failed to convert USA's opening three penalties, and while Yuki Nagasato had her effort saved, Japan were not to be denied as Asia claimed the title for the first time.
Player of the match: Ayumi Kaihori (Japan, GK)
MINUTE BY MINUTE
The penalty shoot-out is over.
5 KUMAGAI (Japan) successfully converts the penalty!
5 WAMBACH (USA) successfully converts the penalty!
5 SAKAGUCHI (Japan) successfully converts the penalty!
5 HEATH (USA) sees her penalty saved by the goalkeeper.
5 Y.NAGASATO (Japan) sees her penalty saved by the goalkeeper.
5 LLOYD (USA) misses from the penalty spot!
5 MIYAMA (Japan) successfully converts the penalty!
5 BOXX (USA) sees her penalty saved by the goalkeeper.
The penalty shoot-out is about to begin.
The referee blows for the end of the second period of extra time.
120' +3 9 USA are ruled offside.
120' +3 6 USA has a shot blocked.
120' +2 6 USA has a shot blocked.
120' +1 2 IWASHIMIZU (Japan) is sent off!
120' +1 11 Japan concede a free-kick following a challenge on a player from USA.
120' 7 USA tries a shot on goal, but it is off-target.
119' 4 IWABUCHI (in) comes off the bench to replace MARUYAMA (out) (Japan)
117' 3 (2 - 2) SAWA (Japan) scores!!
115' 10 Japan swing in the corner.
115' 32 The goalkeeper of USA pulls off a save.
115' 8 A player from Japan sees her effort hit the target.
114' 4 HEATH (in) comes off the bench to replace RAPINOE (out) (USA)
109' 7 Japan tries a shot on goal, but it is off-target.
The referee signals the start of the second period of extra time.
The referee blows for the end of the first period of extra time.
105' 9 A player from USA is adjudged to be in an offside position.
104' 3 (1 - 2) WAMBACH (USA) scores!!
103' 6 USA has a shot blocked.
101' 7 Japan tries a shot on goal, but it is off-target.
97' 1 MIYAMA (Japan) is booked by the referee.
97' 11 A player from Japan commits a foul.
95' 7 USA tries a shot on goal, but it is off-target.
95' 11 USA are penalised after committing a foul.
92' 32 The goalkeeper of Japan pulls off a save.
92' 8 A player from USA sees her effort hit the target.
92' 6 USA has a shot blocked.
91' 10 USA take the corner kick.
The referee signals the start of the first period of extra time.
End of regular time - extra time to follow...
90' +1 7 USA tries a shot on goal, but it is off-target.
89' 7 Japan tries a shot on goal, but it is off-target.
88' 11 A player from USA illegally handles the ball.
85' 10 USA swing in the corner.
84' 11 Japan concede a free-kick following a challenge on a player from USA.
82' 11 A player from Japan commits a foul.
81' 3 (1 - 1) MIYAMA (Japan) scores!!
79' 32 The goalkeeper of USA pulls off a save.
79' 8 A player from Japan sees her effort hit the target.
78' 9 USA are ruled offside.
75' 9 A player from Japan is adjudged to be in an offside position.
74' 11 Japan are penalised after committing a foul.
73' 32 The goalkeeper of USA pulls off a save.
73' 8 A player from Japan sees her effort hit the target.
70' 11 USA concede a free-kick following a challenge on a player from Japan.
69' 3 (0 - 1) MORGAN (USA) scores!!
68' 6 USA has a shot blocked.
67' 11 A player from Japan commits a foul.
66' 11 USA are penalised after committing a foul.
66' 4 Y.NAGASATO (in) comes off the bench to replace ANDO (out) (Japan)
66' 4 MARUYAMA (in) comes off the bench to replace OHNO (out) (Japan)
65' 10 USA take the corner kick.
64' 32 The goalkeeper of Japan pulls off a save.
64' 8 A player from USA sees her effort hit the target.
64' 9 Japan are ruled offside.
63' 10 USA swing in the corner.
62' 10 USA take the corner kick.
62' 7 Japan tries a shot on goal, but it is off-target.
57' 10 USA swing in the corner.
56' 10 Japan take the corner kick.
55' 11 Japan concede a free-kick following a challenge on a player from USA.
54' 11 A player from USA commits a foul.
53' 7 USA tries a shot on goal, but it is off-target.
52' 7 USA tries a shot on goal, but it is off-target.
51' 11 USA are penalised after committing a foul.
49' 7 So close! USA are denied by the post.
48' 11 USA concede a free-kick following a challenge on a player from Japan.
46' 4 MORGAN (in) comes off the bench to replace CHENEY (out) (USA)
The second half kicks off.
The referee brings the first half to an end.
45' +1 7 Japan tries a shot on goal, but it is off-target.
41' 11 A player from Japan commits a foul.
41' 11 USA are penalised after committing a foul.
40' 11 USA concede a free-kick following a challenge on a player from Japan.
38' 7 Japan tries a shot on goal, but it is off-target.
38' 10 Japan swing in the corner.
34' 7 USA tries a shot on goal, but it is off-target.
34' 11 A player from Japan commits a foul.
31' 32 The goalkeeper of USA pulls off a save.
31' 8 A player from Japan sees her effort hit the target.
29' 7 USA tries a shot on goal, but it is off-target.
29' 7 So close! A player from USA rattles the crossbar.
27' 10 Japan take the corner kick.
25' 10 USA swing in the corner.
24' 11 Japan are penalised after committing a foul.
23' 11 USA concede a free-kick following a challenge on a player from Japan.
22' 7 Japan tries a shot on goal, but it is off-target.
20' 6 USA has a shot blocked.
18' 7 So close! USA are denied by the post.
17' 6 USA has a shot blocked.
17' 7 USA tries a shot on goal, but it is off-target.
12' 7 USA tries a shot on goal, but it is off-target.
11' 7 USA tries a shot on goal, but it is off-target.
9' 7 USA tries a shot on goal, but it is off-target.
8' 7 USA tries a shot on goal, but it is off-target.
6' 6 Japan has a shot blocked.
3' 11 A player from Japan commits a foul.
1' 10 USA take the corner kick.
1' 32 The goalkeeper of Japan pulls off a save.
1' 8 A player from USA sees her effort hit the target.
The match kicks off.
THE ROAD TO THE FINAL
JAPAN
Group State
• Japan 2, New Zealand 1
• Japan 4, Mexico 0
• Japan 0, England 2
Quarterfinals
• Japan 1, Germany 0
Semifinals
• Japan 3, Sweden 1
UNITED STATES
Group Stage
• USA 2, North Korea 0
• USA 2, Colombia 0
• USA 1, Sweden 2
Quarterfinals
• USA 2, Brazil 2, United States won in penalty shoots
Semifinals
• USA 3, France 1
Final
Japan - USA2:2 a.e.t. (1:1, 0:0) 3:1 PSOMatch Date Venue / Stadium Time Attendance
32 17 July 2011 Frankfurt/Main / FIFA Women´s World Cup Stadium, Frankfurt 20:45 48817
Goals scored
Alex MORGAN (USA) 69', Aya MIYAMA (JPN) 81', Abby WAMBACH (USA) 104', Homare SAWA (JPN) 117'
Japan
Line-up
[21] Ayumi KAIHORI (GK)
[2] Yukari KINGA
[3] Azusa IWASHIMIZU
[4] Saki KUMAGAI
[6] Mizuho SAKAGUCHI
[7] Kozue ANDO (-66')
[8] Aya MIYAMA
[9] Nahomi KAWASUMI
[10] Homare SAWA (C)
[11] Shinobu OHNO (-66')
[15] Aya SAMESHIMA
Substitute(s)
[1] Nozomi YAMAGO (GK)
[12] Miho FUKUMOTO (GK)
[5] Kyoko YANO
[13] Rumi UTSUGI
[14] Megumi KAMIONOBE
[16] Asuna TANAKA
[17] Yuki NAGASATO (+66')
[18] Karina MARUYAMA (+66')(-119')
[19] Megumi TAKASE
[20] Mana IWABUCHI (+119')
Coach
Norio SASAKI (JPN)USA
Line-up
[1] Hope SOLO (GK)
[3] Christie RAMPONE (C)
[6] Amy LE PEILBET
[7] Shannon BOXX
[9] Heather O REILLY
[10] Carli LLOYD
[11] Alex KRIEGER
[12] Lauren CHENEY (-46' HT)
[15] Megan RAPINOE (-114')
[19] Rachel BUEHLER
[20] Abby WAMBACH
Substitute(s)
[18] Nicole BARNHART (GK)
[21] Jill LOYDEN (GK)
[2] Heather MITTS
[4] Becky SAUERBRUNN
[5] Kelley O HARA
[8] Amy RODRIGUEZ
[13] Alex MORGAN (+46' HT)
[14] Stephanie COX
[16] Lori LINDSEY
[17] Tobin HEATH (+114')
Coach
Pia SUNDHAGE (SWE)Cautions
Aya MIYAMA (JPN) 97'
Sent off
Azusa IWASHIMIZU (JPN) 120'+1
Penalty Shoot-out
Aya MIYAMA 8Goal
Yuki NAGASATO 17Saved
Mizuho SAKAGUCHI 6
GoalSaki KUMAGAI 4
GoalShannon BOXX 7Saved
Carli LLOYD 10Missed
Tobin HEATH 17Saved
Abby WAMBACH 20Goa
lJapan (JPN) Statistics USA (USA)
14 Shots 27
6 Shots on goal 5
2 Goals Scored 2
11 Fouls Committed 10
9 Fouls Suffered 11
4 Corner kicks 8
0 Free kicks Shots (scored) 0
0 / 0 Penalty Kicks (Goals/Shots) 0 / 0
2 Offsides 3
0 Own Goals 0
1 Yellow cards 0
0 Second yellow card and red card 0
1 Red Cards 0
48 Actual playing time 42
53% Possession (%) 47%
a.e.t.: After extra time (C): Captain PSO: Penalty Shoot-out
GK: Goalkeeper N: Not eligible to play I: Injured
Y: Misses next match if booked Pos: Positions A: Absent
HOMARE SAWA'S DREAMS
Playing some of the finest football of the tournament in Germany, Japan have eliminated the hosts – and reigning champions – and in-form Sweden on their way to setting up a final against women’s football heavyweights USA.
Sawa admitted she cannot quite believe what has happened. "I've played as a national team member for 18 years now. I could never imagine myself being in the final of the World Cup, until some years ago," she told FIFA.com.
"To be in the Final is, to be honest, like a dream. It has been a long journey for our women's national team to reach this point and I feel very happy to be at the best stage with my team-mates."
Attempting to deny Japan in the final in Frankfurt will be Pia Sundhage’s United States team, who have battled through to the showpiece on sheer will at times. Both sides adopt contrasting styles, with Japan relying on a short-passing possession game, and USA using a more direct approach to make the most of their aerial prowess.
We know USA are a great and strong team but they have weak points too and there's always a chance to score.Homare Sawa, Japan midfielder
"The win against Germany gave us confidence, but we have never been the world champion. We are always a challenger," 32-year-old Sawa conceded. "Personally, I have a special feeling to play the Final against USA, it's the country that made me a better player. I think the god of football gave me a big chance."
A look at the statistics suggests Japan may need luck on their side. This is their first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup Final and they have never beaten USA in 25 attempts, losing on 22 occasions.
But Sawa retains hope: "I've played in the US league and I know most of the players. We know USA are a great and strong team but they have weak points too and there's always a chance to score."
With Sawa in the team, Japan do indeed always offer a goal threat. She currently tops the tournament scoring chart, alongside Brazil’s Marta, with four goals. The midfielder could therefore be forgiven for having half an eye on the Golden Boot.
"It would be great if I could receive the Golden Boot Award, but I'm concentrating on the team's result," the No10 insisted. "The most important thing for me is to go for our goal of being champions. It is something that only comes as a result of working hard for the team's win."
Playing for the people at home
Sawa has spent much of her club career moving between the United States and Japan, and currently plays in her homeland for INAC Leonessa. Possibly entering the final years of her playing life, Germany 2011 could be her last FIFA Women’s World Cup but for now, she is not thinking too far ahead.
She said: "I think I'm good at switching my mode from football to private time, and I think this is one of the reasons why I've been playing for the national team for 18 years. I enjoy my life off the pitch as well as football. I don't know about the future, but I want to keep playing as long as possible. But for now, I'm concentrated on the match."
Japan’s success holds extra poignancy given the problems the country has suffered since an earthquake rocked the nation in March this year. Sawa expressed her hope that the team's performance could have an impact back home. "The time is not easy for Japan at the moment, after we had the quake," she explained.
"I feel grateful for being able to play football, more than I've felt in the past. I hope we can give strength and encouragement to the Japanese people back home. I hope our football has given a chance for future players and children to dream. Uniting all the strength of Japanese women's football and Japanese football, we will go for the championship."
JAPAN & USA COMMENTS
The Americans had some great attacking play but our defensive line was very well organised. The players were patient, they wanted to win this game and I think it’s because of that the Americans scored only two goals. Yes we had luck in the penalty shootout and I definitely got some help from my football god!
Considering the current situation in Japan I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support, and in particular for the support we received from Germany. Germany is a grand football country and we received a lot of support here in Germany.
Norio Sasaki, Japan coach
We gave the crowd a good game today. It will be a final to remember and credit to both teams. I am very happy with how we played in the first half. We changed our style compared to the semi-final. I’m disappointed, and yes we won silver. Hopefully I can feel that in a few weeks.
Playing in the final at the highest level, you have to take your chances, and we weren’t sharp enough with the two goals conceded and that is why we didn’t win the game.
II would like to take this opportunity to thank Germany. This experience has been phenomenal and the bar has been set very high moving forward.
There is something to be said about the way Japan plays. They are comfortable with the ball even when they are behind and that kind of thing is good for women’s football.
Pia Sundhage, USA coach
We have some very good players on the team and this is why we have been able to win the final. I received excellent support from the other players and I want to emphasise this is a team effort. In the penalty shootout I just had to believe in myself and I was very confident.
Ayumi Kaihori, Japan goalkeeper and player of the match
