Omedetoo gozaimasu

As the world watched, Japan for the first time in their history won against the United States in the Women's World Cup. It was not an easy victory.

For the first half USA dominated the flow of the game. Japan barely got their feet on the ball. Though US controlled the ball they missed several well set up goals, which turned out to be their downfall. The first half ended 0-0. The second half was just as intense as the first. Finally Alex Morgan in the 69th minute scored the first goal of the game. It was an amazing drive.

With about 20 minutes left Japan rapidly became very aggressive. It was as if roles had reversed. US was known to be slow in the 1st half and attack in the 2nd, now Japan has turn the tables. They knew where to go and who to guard, in particular Abby Wambach and her golden forehead. They found their life line in the 81st minute with a US defense error that turned into a goal opportunity which Aya Miyama took.

Overtime was twice the intensity, everyone at the edge of their seat. Both countries scored goals, first USA then Japan, forcing the game into penalty kicks. That's when the door closed on USA. With Japan having put in their first 2 goals and USA none the reality set in that Japan was taking the trophy home. As Saki Kumagai's goal flew into the net Japan's sideline erupted in cheers of joy!


The long journey to victory has came to a sweet end for Japan. I was sad for us but I was glad to lose to Japan. The country needed to be uplifted after the tsunami devastated their coast months ago. Japan needed something to celebrate! The women carried the weight of their people's hopes, dreams and pride. They delivered!

Both sides played with heart, each wanting what the other was striving for. But in the end only one overcomes. So once again, Omedetoo, Japan! Well done!!

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