The Moment (London)
Oladipo Okubanjo
16 July 2011
THE United States may have built a glittering history in women’s football, but their opponents will be motivated by far more than trophies when they contest the Women’s World Cup final on Sunday (today).
Having been the surprise package of the tournament the Nadeshiko Japan are aiming to upset the two-time winners in Frankfurt’s Commerzbank-Arena.
And, in doing so, they hope to aid the national healing process that has been ongoing since the devastation caused in March by the earthquake and resulting tsunami.
Japan have never beaten the US, but after besting holders and hosts Germany in a shock 1-0 quarter-final triumph, manager Norio Sasaki believes his team are ready.
Prior to the Germany match Sasaki showed pictures of the disaster to his players to heighten their focus and determination and they responded in kind – but he plans to shelve the images tomorrow.
“I don’t have to remind them of the disaster in Japan before the match against the United States because they know exactly,” said Sasaki, whose side beat Sweden 3-1 in the last four though remain huge underdogs.
Yet win or lose Japan have won over many neutrals with the story of their overachieving women playing for a cause far bigger than football itself.
AllAfrica – All the Time
Taken from:
Nigeria: 2011 Women’s World Cup Final – Japan Bid to Upset U.S.