Japan Takes the Prize

The game was billed as a David Vs. Goliath type of affair. Is there a female corollary? Anyway, no one gave Japan much of a chance to walk off with this one, given the last 25 odd times these two teams have faced off (3 draws, no victories). But the Japanese Women’s football team has, much like their male counterparts, gone from strength to strength in recent FIFA World Cups. And now they have the bling to prove it.

Japan came from behind twice to force penalties in a game that ended up 2-2 at the end of regular time. Then Japan keeper Ayumi Kaihori produced a, um… woman of the match performance by saving 3 of the USA ladies’ penalty kicks. Defender Saki Kumagai tucked away the winner. Cue ecstatic scenes of celebration.

The Land of the Rising Sun has produced its first FIFA World Cup winners, and they pulled it off with grit, determination and tenacity. Congrats, ladies.