“They’re playing for something bigger and better than the game. When you’re playing with so much emotion, that’s hard to play against.” — U.S. goalieHope Solo, acknowledging that Japan, the USA’s opponent in Sunday’s Women’s World Cup final, is the sentimental favorite, lifting the country in the aftermathof the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan’s […]
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Posted inSection 2 Around the Net, Story
Japan gets boost from Women's World Cup success
Tokyo commuters were greeted Thursday morning with special editions of newspapers printed to commemorate Japan’s 3-1 victory over Sweden that moved it into the Women’s World Cup for the firsttime. NHK, the public broadcaster, has been airing the games, most of which have taken place in the middle of the night, since the beginning of […]
Posted inSoccer America Daily, Story
Goalkeeping errors prove costly
[JAPAN-SWEDEN] After gifting Sweden a goal in the 10th minute, Japan showed their resolve, getting two goals from NahomiKawasumi and one from former WUSA and WPS star Homare Sawa to win, 3-1, and advance to the Women’s World Cup final for the first time. Sawahad gifted Sweden its goal when she played a ball straight […]
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Germany's dream kaputt
[WOMEN’S WORLD CUP] Germany’s players unfurled the banner reading, “One Team. One Dream. Millions of Fans. Thank You!” But the dream had become anightmare. The players, with tears in their eyes, had lost to Japan in the quarterfinals and would soon be greeted with headlines such as “A disaster for women’s soccer.” Aiming for a […]
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2011 Women's World Cup this weekend …
[SCOREBOARD] Sweden and France joined the USA and Japan in the Women’s World Cup final. For all the results and schedule … SCHEDULE: Semifinals July 13 in Frankfurt Japanvs. Sweden, 2:45 pm ET (ESPN/ESPN3.com) July 13 in Moenchengladbach USA vs. France, noon ET (ESPN/ESPN3.com/Galavision) Third-Place Game July 16 in Sinsheim Loser 29 vs. Loser 30, […]
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2011 Women's World Cup this week …
[SCOREBOARD] With star Birgit Prinz on the bench, two-time defending champion Germany beat France, 4-2, to win Group Aat the Women’s World Cup. Prinz’ replacement, Inka Grings, led the Germans with two goals. Canada went home without a point when lost to Nigeria, 1-0. Englandcaptured first place in Group B with a 2-0 win over […]
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2011 Women's World Cup this week …
[SCOREBOARD] Monica Ocampo‘s blast from more than 30 yards earned Mexico a 1-1 tie with England in their Group B matchat the Women’s World Cup. Another long-range blast, from former WPS player Aya Miyama, gave Japan a 2-1 win over New Zealand in Monday’s other game. For thecomplete schedule … Group A June 26 in […]
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2011 Under-17 World Cup this weekend …
[SCOREBOARD] Arturo Gonzalez‘s goal four minutes into stoppage time gave host Mexico a 3-2 win over the Netherlands atthe Under-17 World Cup and eliminated the European champion, which finished with just one point. Traditional youth power Argentina was routed for the second time in three games, falling to Japan, 3-1,but advanced as one of the […]
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Americans complete series sweep
[USA-JAPAN WOMEN] The USA completed a sweep of its two-game series with Japan when it won, 2-0, on Wednesday thanks to goals by Amy Rodriguez and Heather O’Reilly in Cary, N.C. Rodriguez had her second goal in two games against Japan when she scored after aexcellent run by O’Reilly and ball back into the middle. […]
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Costa Rica replaces Japan at Copa America
For the second time, Japan has withdrawn from the Copa America in the wake of the devastating March 11 quake and tsunami. Costa Rica will replace Japan in the 12-team tournament that will be playedin July. Japan’s participation was initially cast into doubt after the huge earthquake and tsunami struck its Pacific coast. The JFA […]