It was a win-win as two of some of our favorite nations played for the football (soccer) championship.
Both teams played exceptionally well, but it was the David and Goliath story with the smaller Japanese team defeating the larger American team to become the world’s champion team.
Great work to both teams and thanks for an exciting game that the AINEO teams in both the United States and Japan enjoyed!
News here.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Fairytale Finish As Japan Beats U.S. To Win Women’s World Cup
FRANKFURT (Kyodo)–Saki Kumagai provided a fairytale finish with the decisive spot kick as Japan stunned favorites the United States 3-1 on penalties to win the Women’s World Cup for the first time after a 2-2 draw in extra time in Sunday’s final in Frankfurt.
Homare Sawa forced penalties with an equalizer in the second period of extra time as Japan twice came from behind, and goalkeeper Ayumi Kaihori saved two penalties in the shootout before Kumagai stroked home the winner.
The world title was Japan’s first at any level and provided a welcome lift to a country still reeling from the March 11 earthquake and tsunami that ravaged the northeast coast, triggering an ongoing nuclear crisis.
It was also Japan’s first victory in 25 meetings with the Americans, who were gunning for their third World Cup title after their victories in 1991 and 1999.