WOMEN'S SOCCER WORLD CUP 2011: Japan's character seen in women's World Cup victory

http://www.fifa.com/

At perhaps the most tense time in Sunday’s FIFA Women's World Cup final - preparations for the penalty kick shootout - TV cameras showed Japanese coach Norio Sasaki smiling and laughing with his players. Cameras focused on the U.S. women showed a different mood, with expressions of grit, focus and determination.


The contrast was stark, and that wasn’t a surprise to Sasaki.

"It seemed to me there was more pressure on the Americans," he said.

It was a remarkable moment for Japan, a country that has had little to smile about this year, and a keen insight from the coach of a team that had not beaten the Americans in 25 games.

But Sasaki’s assessment was spot-on.

The Japanese women made three of the four shots they took in the penalty shootout, while the Americans could find the net on only one.

"We had made it all the way to the final, extra time and penalties. We had come a long way, so maybe we handled the pressure better. We had twice come back, and that eased the psychological pressure," he said in an Agence France-Presse story on NDTV.com.

The Japanese team lifted the trophy as world champions. They also lifted the spirits of a nation struggling to recover from the March 11 earthquake and tsunami that left more than 20,000 people dead or missing, destroyed miles and miles of cities and farmland, and caused a leak from a nuclear power plant that has turned of a 25-mile radius around the plant into a virtual no-man’s land.

For all the smiles and laughs in Japan’s pre-shootout huddle in Frankfurt, Germany, on Sunday, it was a different tack from the one Sasaki took before his team’s quarterfinal against defending champion Germany, when he showed them pictures of the March 11 devastation as inspiration.

Those images gave the Japanese women something to fight for and made them want to be an example.

“Japan has been hurt, and so many lives have been affected,” captain and leading scorer Homare Sawa said in a New York Times report. “We cannot change that. But Japan is coming back, and this was our chance to represent our nation and show that we never stopped working.”

Sawa was right about that. Twice, Japan fell behind by a goal against the Americans, once in regulation and once in overtime, and twice they got tying goals as the clocked ticked into the final minutes.

"Not one of the players gave up," Sasaki said..

Merry White, a professor of anthropology at Boston University and an expert on Japanese culture, said the women’s performance illustrated some key qualities of Japanese society: hard work and resilience.

“It wasn’t only skills that got them close. … It’s the effort that counts,” White said.

They’d certainly put in an historic effort taking down Germany and then favored Sweden in a semifinal, and then tying the top-ranked U.S. team through 120 minutes. And White says that could account for the light mood as the Japanese team prepared for the penalty shootout.

“The women were jubilant that they’d gotten that far,” she said, but they probably thought they had an edge, too.

“They believe in will,” she said, showing “when we put our minds to something we can do it.”

Add one more quality that brought confidence: teamwork.

White said Sasaki’s smiles showed that.

“It sure looked like he was at one with the women, working with them instead of above them,” White said.

The team was nicknamed the nadeshiko, a floral metaphor for an ideal Japanese woman with virtues including loyalty, domestic ability, wisdom and humility. Not mentioned is leadership, but that’s a quality the team took Sunday.

The nation’s defense minister, Toshimi Kitazawa, said he hopes its politicians can learn from the women’s spirit and teamwork as officials try to solve the nuclear crisis at the tsunami-damaged Fukushima nuclear power plant.

“I am delighted. The team showed great perseverance and sent a good message toward recovery from the major disaster,” he said, according to a report on JapanToday.com.

In Tokyo’s sports bars in the early morning hours Monday, average citizens, at least, were buying in.

"At a time when things are going so bad for Japan, this news makes me so happy," Saori Shiratori was quoted as saying in the Los Angeles Times.

"When we won, I went crazy and hugged everyone I could," Yuri Itoga told the Times. "This ecstatic feeling is a lot more intense because we suffered the disaster in March. It makes me feel like I can't just sit around and do nothing."

WOMEN’S SOCCER WORLD CUP GERMANY 2011:Japan champions in penalty kicks definition, dramatic 2-2 with USA in overtime

By JUAN CARLOS CORDERO, UNO International News Service.-


At the beginning of the Japan and United final in Germany 2011 Women's World Cup, it seemed that the Americans will dominate without a challenge. Rapinoe was very active in the middle and passing balls to Wambach - a real threat on the Japanese net - and a lot of pressure from United States was hurting the Asian team.

However, Japan had a variety of technical skills, tactical movements and a careful ball possession game, galvanized by the suffering of their country's tsunami and earthquakes, battling even with one player less due to a red card for a late foul on Morgan.
USA started strong: Wambach hit the bar, near 30 minutes. But a pass of Japan behind the USA defense, showed that it wouldn't be so easy. Unfortunately for the blue team, its striker shot softly. It could be a goal. And immediately, number 12 missed a chance to scored with a header for USA.

The stats report showed that  USA had 12 shots on the Japanese net against 5 of its rivals in the first half. But Japn had 57% of the ball possession.

The second period was similar, with USA putting all the powerful physical stamina and loking to score in all the ways possible with Wambach and Rapinoe in the assistance. Until 68', when substitute Alex Morgan received a long pass by Rapinoe, after a Japanese attach, and in the counter-attack Morgan shot to score with her left foot.

JAPAN 2:2 USA a.e.t. (1:1, 0:0) 3:1 PSO


Aya MIYAMA (81')

Homare SAWA (117')

Alex MORGAN (69')

Abby WAMBACH (104')

Match 32 - Group Frankfurt/Main

FIFA Women´s World Cup Stadium, FrankfurtReferee: Bibiana STEINHAUS
 
Japan are FIFA Women’s World Cup champions for the first time after a penalty shootout victory over USA, following a drama-charged 2-2 draw in Frankfurt.


Defender Saki Kumagai had the honour of hitting home the decisive spot-kick as Japan triumphed 3-1 in the shootout. USA were twice pegged back but it took Homare Sawa to equalise three minutes from the end of extra time to force penalties.

USA created numerous goalscoring opportunities throughout the match but Aya Miyama’s goal nine minutes from the end of the 90 minutes forced extra time, after Alex Morgan had given the Stars and Stripes the lead on 69 minutes. Abby Wambach seemed set to have scored the winner on 104 minutes until Sawa’s late intervention.

The tone was set for a strong USA performance with the two-time world champions showing their intent from the opening whistle. Lauren Cheney forced a save from Ayumi Kaihori with a shot from a highly acute angle, after the forward had outmuscled Azusa Iwashimizu just 25 second into the contest.

On eight minutes, Megan Rapinoe found some space on the left and her excellent near post ball was turned just wide by Cheney. Barely a minute later, Wambach fired a shot over as USA maintained their bright start.

Carli Lloyd could then easily have opened the scoring when Japan were unable to deal with Wambach’s presence under a high early cross into the penalty area. The ball fell kindly for the midfielder but she blazed narrowly over the crossbar from 15 metres.

Rapinoe then pushed the ball wide at the near post in a move reminiscent of Cheney’s effort a few minutes earlier.

Unlike recent matches, Japan were struggling to maintain any possession in midfield. USA kept up their attacking raids as the lively Rapinoe burst into the area on the left and blazed a shot against the outside of Kaihori’s post.

The match started to settle by the midway point of the opening half, and Japan finally had their first shot of note on 22 minutes, but Shinobu Ohno’s strike was wayward.

The moment of the first half came on 29 minutes as Wambach, USA’s all-time top FIFA Women’s World Cup goalscorer, hit a stunning shot from close to the corner of the penalty area which rattled the underside of the crossbar and away to safety, with Kaihori well beaten.

Japan finally displayed some of their semi-final form just past the half-hour mark as Ohno threaded a pass behind the defence, but Kozue Ando was unable to get power on her effort from a good shooting position.

Cheney then pushed a looping header onto the roof of the net after a long ball deceived a static Japan backline.

USA commenced the second half in much the same way they did the first. Just four minutes after the interval, Heather O’Reilly crossed from the right and Morgan, who came on for Cheney during the break, pushed her near post effort against the post.

O’Reilly then blasted a shot against the side-netting from distance, while Wambach skied a good opportunity after being set free by a delightful Rapinoe ball.

Just past the hour mark, Sawa, enjoying a rare moment of time on the ball in the attacking third, threaded a smart pass for Yukari Kinga but the defender’s shot was well wide.

Minutes later Wambach’s smart header forced an excellent save from Kaihori as USA pushed ever closer to an opener.

Finally USA secured reward for their dominance with the opening goal on 69 minutes as Morgan broke the deadlock with her second of the tournament. A quick counter attack saw Rapinoe play an excellent ball through for Morgan to use her strength to hold off a defender, before hitting a perfect finish past Kaihori.

The 22-year-old Morgan again proved herself as a player for the big occasion, having hit the winner for USA against Korea DPR in the final of the 2008 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.

Japan equalised somewhat against the run of play 12 minutes later as a cross from the right caused chaos in the USA defence, with Miyama taking full advantage to push the ball past Hope Solo from close range.

The match was end-to-end in the remaining minutes with Kinga and O’Reilly both firing good efforts in on goal without being able to break the deadlock. So for the fourth time in six FIFA Women’s World Cup Finals, 90 minutes proved not enough to find a winner.

The match continued in an open fashion and at a high tempo following the recommencement. Morgan carved out the first opening of extra time only to shoot askew after getting the better of two defenders.

USA again took the lead one minute prior to the end of the opening period of extra time. Wambach powered home a bullet header from close range following Morgan’s precise cross. It was Wambach’s fourth of the tournament, all from headers.

With five minutes remaining, Kinga pushed the ball past the onrushing Solo with only a clearance from retreating captain Christie Rampone denying an equaliser.

However, from the ensuing corner, Sawa equalised by diverting Miyama’s corner with just three minutes remaining. The goal not only ensured the match would be decided by penalties but lifted Sawa into the outright lead as top goalscorer, with five goals. Iwashimizu was then sent off for a professional foul as time ran out.

Shannon Boxx, Carli Lloyd and Tobin Heath failed to convert USA's opening three penalties, and while Yuki Nagasato had her effort saved, Japan were not to be denied as Asia claimed the title for the first time.

Player of the match: Ayumi Kaihori (Japan, GK)


MINUTE BY MINUTE

The penalty shoot-out is over.


5 KUMAGAI (Japan) successfully converts the penalty!

5 WAMBACH (USA) successfully converts the penalty!

5 SAKAGUCHI (Japan) successfully converts the penalty!

5 HEATH (USA) sees her penalty saved by the goalkeeper.

5 Y.NAGASATO (Japan) sees her penalty saved by the goalkeeper.

5 LLOYD (USA) misses from the penalty spot!

5 MIYAMA (Japan) successfully converts the penalty!

5 BOXX (USA) sees her penalty saved by the goalkeeper.

The penalty shoot-out is about to begin.

The referee blows for the end of the second period of extra time.

120' +3 9 USA are ruled offside.

120' +3 6 USA has a shot blocked.

120' +2 6 USA has a shot blocked.

120' +1 2 IWASHIMIZU (Japan) is sent off!

120' +1 11 Japan concede a free-kick following a challenge on a player from USA.

120' 7 USA tries a shot on goal, but it is off-target.

119' 4 IWABUCHI (in) comes off the bench to replace MARUYAMA (out) (Japan)

117' 3 (2 - 2) SAWA (Japan) scores!!

115' 10 Japan swing in the corner.

115' 32 The goalkeeper of USA pulls off a save.

115' 8 A player from Japan sees her effort hit the target.

114' 4 HEATH (in) comes off the bench to replace RAPINOE (out) (USA)

109' 7 Japan tries a shot on goal, but it is off-target.

The referee signals the start of the second period of extra time.

The referee blows for the end of the first period of extra time.

105' 9 A player from USA is adjudged to be in an offside position.

104' 3 (1 - 2) WAMBACH (USA) scores!!

103' 6 USA has a shot blocked.

101' 7 Japan tries a shot on goal, but it is off-target.

97' 1 MIYAMA (Japan) is booked by the referee.

97' 11 A player from Japan commits a foul.

95' 7 USA tries a shot on goal, but it is off-target.

95' 11 USA are penalised after committing a foul.

92' 32 The goalkeeper of Japan pulls off a save.

92' 8 A player from USA sees her effort hit the target.

92' 6 USA has a shot blocked.

91' 10 USA take the corner kick.

The referee signals the start of the first period of extra time.

End of regular time - extra time to follow...

90' +1 7 USA tries a shot on goal, but it is off-target.

89' 7 Japan tries a shot on goal, but it is off-target.

88' 11 A player from USA illegally handles the ball.

85' 10 USA swing in the corner.

84' 11 Japan concede a free-kick following a challenge on a player from USA.

82' 11 A player from Japan commits a foul.

81' 3 (1 - 1) MIYAMA (Japan) scores!!

79' 32 The goalkeeper of USA pulls off a save.

79' 8 A player from Japan sees her effort hit the target.

78' 9 USA are ruled offside.

75' 9 A player from Japan is adjudged to be in an offside position.

74' 11 Japan are penalised after committing a foul.

73' 32 The goalkeeper of USA pulls off a save.

73' 8 A player from Japan sees her effort hit the target.

70' 11 USA concede a free-kick following a challenge on a player from Japan.

69' 3 (0 - 1) MORGAN (USA) scores!!

68' 6 USA has a shot blocked.

67' 11 A player from Japan commits a foul.

66' 11 USA are penalised after committing a foul.

66' 4 Y.NAGASATO (in) comes off the bench to replace ANDO (out) (Japan)

66' 4 MARUYAMA (in) comes off the bench to replace OHNO (out) (Japan)

65' 10 USA take the corner kick.

64' 32 The goalkeeper of Japan pulls off a save.

64' 8 A player from USA sees her effort hit the target.

64' 9 Japan are ruled offside.

63' 10 USA swing in the corner.

62' 10 USA take the corner kick.

62' 7 Japan tries a shot on goal, but it is off-target.

57' 10 USA swing in the corner.

56' 10 Japan take the corner kick.

55' 11 Japan concede a free-kick following a challenge on a player from USA.

54' 11 A player from USA commits a foul.

53' 7 USA tries a shot on goal, but it is off-target.

52' 7 USA tries a shot on goal, but it is off-target.

51' 11 USA are penalised after committing a foul.

49' 7 So close! USA are denied by the post.

48' 11 USA concede a free-kick following a challenge on a player from Japan.

46' 4 MORGAN (in) comes off the bench to replace CHENEY (out) (USA)

The second half kicks off.

The referee brings the first half to an end.

45' +1 7 Japan tries a shot on goal, but it is off-target.

41' 11 A player from Japan commits a foul.

41' 11 USA are penalised after committing a foul.

40' 11 USA concede a free-kick following a challenge on a player from Japan.

38' 7 Japan tries a shot on goal, but it is off-target.

38' 10 Japan swing in the corner.

34' 7 USA tries a shot on goal, but it is off-target.

34' 11 A player from Japan commits a foul.

31' 32 The goalkeeper of USA pulls off a save.

31' 8 A player from Japan sees her effort hit the target.

29' 7 USA tries a shot on goal, but it is off-target.

29' 7 So close! A player from USA rattles the crossbar.

27' 10 Japan take the corner kick.

25' 10 USA swing in the corner.

24' 11 Japan are penalised after committing a foul.

23' 11 USA concede a free-kick following a challenge on a player from Japan.

22' 7 Japan tries a shot on goal, but it is off-target.

20' 6 USA has a shot blocked.

18' 7 So close! USA are denied by the post.

17' 6 USA has a shot blocked.

17' 7 USA tries a shot on goal, but it is off-target.

12' 7 USA tries a shot on goal, but it is off-target.

11' 7 USA tries a shot on goal, but it is off-target.

9' 7 USA tries a shot on goal, but it is off-target.

8' 7 USA tries a shot on goal, but it is off-target.

6' 6 Japan has a shot blocked.

3' 11 A player from Japan commits a foul.

1' 10 USA take the corner kick.

1' 32 The goalkeeper of Japan pulls off a save.

1' 8 A player from USA sees her effort hit the target.

The match kicks off.

THE ROAD TO THE FINAL


JAPAN

Group State

• Japan 2, New Zealand 1

• Japan 4, Mexico 0

• Japan 0, England 2

Quarterfinals

• Japan 1, Germany 0

Semifinals

• Japan 3, Sweden 1

UNITED STATES

Group Stage

• USA 2, North Korea 0

• USA 2, Colombia 0

• USA 1, Sweden 2

Quarterfinals

• USA 2, Brazil 2, United States won in penalty shoots

Semifinals

• USA 3, France 1


Final


Japan - USA2:2 a.e.t. (1:1, 0:0) 3:1 PSOMatch Date Venue / Stadium Time Attendance

32 17 July 2011 Frankfurt/Main / FIFA Women´s World Cup Stadium, Frankfurt 20:45 48817



Goals scored

Alex MORGAN (USA) 69', Aya MIYAMA (JPN) 81', Abby WAMBACH (USA) 104', Homare SAWA (JPN) 117'

Japan

Line-up

[21] Ayumi KAIHORI (GK)

[2] Yukari KINGA

[3] Azusa IWASHIMIZU

[4] Saki KUMAGAI

[6] Mizuho SAKAGUCHI

[7] Kozue ANDO (-66')

[8] Aya MIYAMA

[9] Nahomi KAWASUMI

[10] Homare SAWA (C)

[11] Shinobu OHNO (-66')

[15] Aya SAMESHIMA

Substitute(s)

[1] Nozomi YAMAGO (GK)

[12] Miho FUKUMOTO (GK)

[5] Kyoko YANO

[13] Rumi UTSUGI

[14] Megumi KAMIONOBE

[16] Asuna TANAKA

[17] Yuki NAGASATO (+66')

[18] Karina MARUYAMA (+66')(-119')

[19] Megumi TAKASE

[20] Mana IWABUCHI (+119')

Coach

Norio SASAKI (JPN)USA

Line-up

[1] Hope SOLO (GK)

[3] Christie RAMPONE (C)

[6] Amy LE PEILBET

[7] Shannon BOXX

[9] Heather O REILLY

[10] Carli LLOYD

[11] Alex KRIEGER

[12] Lauren CHENEY (-46' HT)

[15] Megan RAPINOE (-114')

[19] Rachel BUEHLER

[20] Abby WAMBACH

Substitute(s)

[18] Nicole BARNHART (GK)

[21] Jill LOYDEN (GK)

[2] Heather MITTS

[4] Becky SAUERBRUNN

[5] Kelley O HARA

[8] Amy RODRIGUEZ

[13] Alex MORGAN (+46' HT)

[14] Stephanie COX

[16] Lori LINDSEY

[17] Tobin HEATH (+114')

Coach

Pia SUNDHAGE (SWE)Cautions

Aya MIYAMA (JPN) 97'

Sent off

Azusa IWASHIMIZU (JPN) 120'+1

Penalty Shoot-out

Aya MIYAMA 8Goal
Yuki NAGASATO 17Saved
Mizuho SAKAGUCHI 6
GoalSaki KUMAGAI 4

GoalShannon BOXX 7Saved
Carli LLOYD 10Missed
Tobin HEATH 17Saved
Abby WAMBACH 20Goa

lJapan (JPN) Statistics USA (USA)

14 Shots 27

6 Shots on goal 5

2 Goals Scored 2

11 Fouls Committed 10

9 Fouls Suffered 11

4 Corner kicks 8

0 Free kicks Shots (scored) 0

0 / 0 Penalty Kicks (Goals/Shots) 0 / 0

2 Offsides 3

0 Own Goals 0

1 Yellow cards 0

0 Second yellow card and red card 0

1 Red Cards 0

48 Actual playing time 42

53% Possession (%) 47%

a.e.t.: After extra time (C): Captain PSO: Penalty Shoot-out

GK: Goalkeeper N: Not eligible to play I: Injured

Y: Misses next match if booked Pos: Positions A: Absent

HOMARE SAWA'S DREAMS

Having made her debut for Japan 18 years ago, aged 15, and now a veteran of five FIFA Women’s World Cup finals, Homare Sawa is in a unique position to comment on the situation the Nadeshiko currently find themselves in.


Playing some of the finest football of the tournament in Germany, Japan have eliminated the hosts – and reigning champions – and in-form Sweden on their way to setting up a final against women’s football heavyweights USA.

Sawa admitted she cannot quite believe what has happened. "I've played as a national team member for 18 years now. I could never imagine myself being in the final of the World Cup, until some years ago," she told FIFA.com.

"To be in the Final is, to be honest, like a dream. It has been a long journey for our women's national team to reach this point and I feel very happy to be at the best stage with my team-mates."

Attempting to deny Japan in the final in Frankfurt will be Pia Sundhage’s United States team, who have battled through to the showpiece on sheer will at times. Both sides adopt contrasting styles, with Japan relying on a short-passing possession game, and USA using a more direct approach to make the most of their aerial prowess.

We know USA are a great and strong team but they have weak points too and there's always a chance to score.Homare Sawa, Japan midfielder

"The win against Germany gave us confidence, but we have never been the world champion. We are always a challenger," 32-year-old Sawa conceded. "Personally, I have a special feeling to play the Final against USA, it's the country that made me a better player. I think the god of football gave me a big chance."

A look at the statistics suggests Japan may need luck on their side. This is their first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup Final and they have never beaten USA in 25 attempts, losing on 22 occasions.

But Sawa retains hope: "I've played in the US league and I know most of the players. We know USA are a great and strong team but they have weak points too and there's always a chance to score."

With Sawa in the team, Japan do indeed always offer a goal threat. She currently tops the tournament scoring chart, alongside Brazil’s Marta, with four goals. The midfielder could therefore be forgiven for having half an eye on the Golden Boot.

"It would be great if I could receive the Golden Boot Award, but I'm concentrating on the team's result," the No10 insisted. "The most important thing for me is to go for our goal of being champions. It is something that only comes as a result of working hard for the team's win."

Playing for the people at home

Sawa has spent much of her club career moving between the United States and Japan, and currently plays in her homeland for INAC Leonessa. Possibly entering the final years of her playing life, Germany 2011 could be her last FIFA Women’s World Cup but for now, she is not thinking too far ahead.

She said: "I think I'm good at switching my mode from football to private time, and I think this is one of the reasons why I've been playing for the national team for 18 years. I enjoy my life off the pitch as well as football. I don't know about the future, but I want to keep playing as long as possible. But for now, I'm concentrated on the match."

Japan’s success holds extra poignancy given the problems the country has suffered since an earthquake rocked the nation in March this year. Sawa expressed her hope that the team's performance could have an impact back home. "The time is not easy for Japan at the moment, after we had the quake," she explained.

"I feel grateful for being able to play football, more than I've felt in the past. I hope we can give strength and encouragement to the Japanese people back home. I hope our football has given a chance for future players and children to dream. Uniting all the strength of Japanese women's football and Japanese football, we will go for the championship."


JAPAN & USA COMMENTS

Looking back at the game, there are some points of criticism. We were quite rigid at times and we didn’t always play our game. Our defensive was very focussed and organised, very much like the game against Germany. We didn’t really get into the game 100 per cent like we would have liked to. There simply wasn’t enough space to play passes.

The Americans had some great attacking play but our defensive line was very well organised. The players were patient, they wanted to win this game and I think it’s because of that the Americans scored only two goals. Yes we had luck in the penalty shootout and I definitely got some help from my football god!

Considering the current situation in Japan I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support, and in particular for the support we received from Germany. Germany is a grand football country and we received a lot of support here in Germany.

Norio Sasaki, Japan coach

We gave the crowd a good game today. It will be a final to remember and credit to both teams. I am very happy with how we played in the first half. We changed our style compared to the semi-final. I’m disappointed, and yes we won silver. Hopefully I can feel that in a few weeks.

Playing in the final at the highest level, you have to take your chances, and we weren’t sharp enough with the two goals conceded and that is why we didn’t win the game.

II would like to take this opportunity to thank Germany. This experience has been phenomenal and the bar has been set very high moving forward.

There is something to be said about the way Japan plays. They are comfortable with the ball even when they are behind and that kind of thing is good for women’s football.

Pia Sundhage, USA coach

We have some very good players on the team and this is why we have been able to win the final. I received excellent support from the other players and I want to emphasise this is a team effort. In the penalty shootout I just had to believe in myself and I was very confident.

Ayumi Kaihori, Japan goalkeeper and player of the match

WOMEN'S SOCCER WORLD CUP 2011: Sweden third!!

Hammar blow for France


Marie Hammarstrom’s 82nd minute goal earned Sweden a 2-1 victory over France in the match for third place in the Rhine-Neckar Arena in Sinsheim.

The 29-year-old midfielder, who replaced Linda Forsberg in the 62nd minute, received the ball from a short corner, evaded the attentions of Eugenie Le Sommer and Sonia Bompastor before unleashing an unstoppable left footed drive into the top corner of the net.

It was a goal which separated two evenly matched sides and worthy of winning any game of football.

Bruno Bini made two changes in defence for France, bringing in Wende Renard and Corine Franco, while Nilla Fischer came into the Sweden side as captain following her one-match ban. Caroline Seger was named among the substitutes despite her calf injury.

After a slow start, Sweden took the lead in the 29th minute when Sara Larsson’s long ball from the back was well controlled by Lotta Schelin and the forward slipped the ball past the onrushing Berangere Sapowicz. The French goalkeeper had to be substituted immediately afterwards, injuring her ankle when jumping to reach the ball on the edge of her penalty area.

There was more bad news for Les Bleues when the influential Louisa Necib had to be replaced at the same stage after jarring her knee in a battle for the ball with Annica Svensson. As half-time approached, Elise Bussaglia tried two attempts from outside the area. The first struck the post, while the second forced a good save from Hedvig Lindahl.

However, it was the Scandinavians who finished the half stronger. First Charlotte Rohlin headed over from a Sara Thunebro corner and then Schelin had a glorious opportunity to make it 2-0 just before the break, but fired straight at substitute keeper Celine Deville from 12 yards.

France equalised in the 56th minute when Svensson was pulled out of position while trying to rob the ball from Gaetane Thiney. However, the French forward was able to slip the ball into the path of substitute Elodie Thomis, who was in acres of space. The Lyon forward, a team-mate of Schelin’s showed a similar type of composure to squeeze the ball just inside Lindahl’s right hand post.

There were chances at either end midway through the second half. First Josefine Oqvist scuffed a shot which hit the post when a square pass would have given Schelin the simplest of opportunities. Then Thomis was guilty of the same profligacy with two narrow misses within the space of a minute. Firstly Lindahl blocked her shot, while from the ensuing corner Thomis flicked an effort inches wide of the near post.

Sweden were reduced to ten in the 68th minute when Oqvist was shown a straight red card for lashing out at Sonia Bompastor after the pair tussled by the byline. Yet, despite the numerical disadvantage, Thomas Dennerby’s side took the lead with eight minutes to go when substitute Hammarstrom unleashed her wonder-strike to hand Sweden the bronze medal.

Player of the match: Sara Larsson (SWE)

COPA DEL MUNDO FEMENINA 2011: Escándalo en Mundial femenino por dopaje de norcoreanas

Ya son cinco las futbolistas del país orientan que han dado positivo en el torneo que se disputa en Alemania.



Otras tres futbolistas norcoreanas que participaron en el Mundial de fútbol femenino en Alemania dieron positivo por sustancias esteroides prohibidas, comunicó hoy la FIFA. La situación empañó la competencia que culmina mañana, con la final entre Estados Unidos y Japón.


"El hecho es que en la FIFA nos enfrentamos a un caso flagrante de doping; es algo que duele", dijo en rueda de prensa el presidente de la federación, Joseph Blatter. Agregó que el comité disciplinario analizará las consecuencias de lo ocurrido.

La totalidad del plantel de Corea del Norte fue sometida a pruebas antidopaje tras el empate sin goles contra Colombia en la fase de grupos. La medida fue tomada después de que dieran positivo de dopaje las jugadoras Song Jong Sun y Jong Pok. Corea del Norte quedó eliminada en la fase de grupos.

Jiri Dvorak, director médico de la FIFA, dijo que se trataba de un "caso claro de sustancias prohibidas".

La federación norcoreana adujo que la causa del positivo podría residir en la ingestión de las jugadoras de almizcle del ciervo almizclero, usado en la medicina tradicional china. Dvorak dijo que también tienen a disposición los resultados de los contraanálisis y que en total fueron detectados 14 esteroides, de los cuales cuatro figuran en la lista de doping.

WOMEN'S SOCCER WORLD CUP 2011: USA are into the Final with two late goals over France 3-1

USA see off France to reach decider

USA are into the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup Final™ with two late goals eventually subduing a brave France 3-1 in Monchengladbach.

The Americans, who will compete in their first decider since winning on home soil in 1999, will face the winner of tonight’s second semi-final between Japan and Sweden.

The action-packed match was locked 1-1 until Abby Wambach and substitute Alex Morgan scored twice in the space of three minutes in the latter stages to end France’s dreams of a first Final appearance.

Both teams came out of the blocks fast in wet conditions at the Stadion im Borussia-Park seemingly determined to take the game to their opponents. However it was USA who took the early advantage with Lauren Cheney deftly deflecting the ball home at the near post on nine minutes, following Heather O’Reilly’s powerful run and cross down the left flank.

Approaching the half hour mark Louisa Necib fired on target from the edge of the penalty area with Hope Solo forced to react quickly and tip over the crossbar. Almost immediately France struck the crossbar through a well-hit Sonia Bompastor effort from the corner of the penalty area, after Necib laid off a free-kick.

Les Bleues were enjoying a strong period peppering the USA goal with a number of efforts from distance.

Then it was USA’s opportunity to attack with Abby Wambach twice coming close in a matter of minutes before the interval. A lightning raid saw Shannon Boxx deliver a perfect cross to Wambach at the back post but the American striker could only direct her header across the face of goal from an awkward angle. Wambach could then have scored at the near post in a move reminiscent of Cheney’s goal, only for the No20 to stab her shot wide.

The second period continued in a similar vein to the first, with high tempo and end-to-end action.

France restored parity ten minutes after the interval with a somewhat lucky goal, although one that proved reward for their persistent attacking endeavour. Bompastor played a searching cross into the penalty area which snuck in off the far post, with the ball having eluding Solo who was distracted by Gaetane Thiney’s presence.

French goalkeeper Berangere Sapowicz made a crucial stop at the feet of Morgan as the substitute seemed certain to score from a rebound.

The Americans got the breakthrough with 11 minutes remaining as the physically imposing Wambach scored with a towering header at the back post from a perfect Cheney corner. The goal saw Wambach draw level with Michelle Akers on 12 goals as the leading USA goalscorer in the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Three minutes later the contest was effectively over as Morgan concluded a swift counter-attack with a smart finish past the exposed Sapowicz.

Player of the match: Abby Wambach (USA)

WOMEN'S SOCCER WORLD CUP 2011: Japan sink Sweden, reach first final against USA

Japan sink Sweden, reach first final


Japan reached the final of the FIFA Women’s World Cup™ for the first time with a deserved 3-1 win over a Sweden side who had previously won every match they had played at Germany 2011.

Twenty years ago the teams met in the tournament in China PR, with the Scandinavians running out 8-0 winners, but there was to be no such repeat in Frankfurt as the Nadeshiko continued their 15-year unbeaten run against their opponents.

Sweden were dealt a blow shortly before kick-off, when inspirational captain Caroline Seger was forced to withdraw from the starting line-up with an injury to her left calf. The 26-year-old sat out of the Blagult’s training session last night, but aggravated the muscle again in the warm-up. Orebro’s Marie a Hammarstrom was the late replacement. Japan also made one change, with Nahomi Kawasumi replacing Yuki Nagasato as the focal point of their attack.

There was a large and receptive crowd of 45,434 at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Stadium, with the roof not only acting as a shelter from the heavy showers which had affected Hessen during the day, but also as a sounding board for the fans’ loud cheers to bounce off.

It was the Swedish supporters who were singing after ten minutes. Homare Sawa’s mis-placed pass was latched on to by Oqvist, who powered past Azusa Iwashimizu and hit a shot which flew over Ayumi Kaihori, via a slight deflection off Saki Kumagai, and into the net.

The Sweden forward had a hand in the game’s next goal, but unfortunately for the her it was at the wrong end. Following a powerful run down the centre from Shinobu Ohno, the ball was played to Aya Miyama on the left. She crossed into the box and, under intense pressure from Oqvist, Kawasumi’s touch took the ball beyond Hedvig Lindahl.

Following a spell in which the teams traded spells of possession, the game's next real chance came when Japan won a free-kick on the edge of the area following Charlotte Rohlin’s foul on Kawasumi. Predictably, Miyama stepped up to take the free-kick, which almost caught Lindahl off-guard before she recovered well to push the ball around her right-hand post.

Sweden, on the other hand, were struggling to create any real opportunities and balls played down the channels for Lotta Schelin failed to reach their intended target.

The second-half began at a frenetic pace and the Asians almost took the lead when Ohno’s dipping half-volley clipped the top of the crossbar. On the hour mark they managed it. Following good build-up play down the right, the ball was played along the edge of the box before it was swung into the danger zone. Lindahl came to claim it but failed to make it, and Sawa was on hand to head home her fifth goal of the tournament.

Four minutes later Japan doubled their advantage. Lindahl came out to deal with a long ball which seemed destined to reach Kozue Ando, but her clearance fell straight to Kawasumi, who hit a hopeful shot from 35 yards. The 25-year-old forward seemed as delighted as the Japanese fans to see her effort fly over the Sweden goalkeeper and defence and ripple the back of the net.

With a shots on goal ratio of 11 to one in favour of Japan, Thomas Dennerby sent on Jessica Landstrom, Sofia Jakobsson and Antonia Goransson for Linda Forsberg, Marie Hammarstrom and Oqvist respectively, in a bid to bring his side back into the match. Although Sweden enjoyed a greater territorial advantage, the hard-working Japan defence limited them to just a handful of half-chances.

Indeed, it was Norio Sasaki’s side who remained the more threatening in the final stages and they closed the game out extremely well to book a place in Sunday’s final, also here in Frankfurt, against USA. Sweden, however, must regroup to face France in Sinsheim on Saturday evening in the match for third place.

Player of the match: Aya Miyama (JPN)

WOMEN'S SOCCER WORLD CUP 2011: Japan and France create history

Japan, France create history


Saturday 9 July 2011

 The dividing line between joy and sorrow is wafer-thin at times, as was proved yet again on a remarkable and wholly memorable first round of quarter-finals at the FIFA Women's World Cup 2011™. Holders and favourites Germany lost a match at the tournament for the first time since a 3–2 quarter-final defeat to USA fully 12 years ago, dashing the hosts’ dream of a third global triumph on the trot, while France once and for all laid to rest a ghost from the past.

Five years to the day after the French men's team fell to Italy on penalties in the final of the 2006 FIFA World Cup™, also on German soil, Les Bleues claimed a berth in the last four for the very first time after overcoming England in another dramatic shoot-out. It also means the French women have qualified for the 2012 London Olympics, whereas the spectre of England's woes from the penalty spot at major tournaments surfaced once again.

Germany controlled long stretches of their clash with the Japanese in Wolfsburg, but created very little by way of clear-cut chances against the Asians’ flawless rearguard. Early in the second half of extra time, Japan substitute Karina Maruyama showed how it should be done, latching onto a sublime Homare Sawa pass to net the winning goal.

Before that, the Leverkusen crowd witnessed what was only the fourth penalty shoot-out in the history of the FIFA Women's World Cup. The role of tragic hero fell to England's oldest player, captain Faye White, who blasted her team’s fifth spot-kick against the bar. While the French celebrated, the salt in English wounds was exiting the tournament without losing a match in normal or extra time. However, the French victory was by no means undeserved, as Les Bleues were the better team on the day, even if they had to wait until the 88th minute before Elise Bussaglia cancelled out Jill Scott's opener.

Results

England 1-1 France (aet, France win 4-3 on penalties)

Germany 0-1 Japan (aet)

Goal of the day

England-France, Elise Bussaglia (88th minute)

In a dramatic finish to normal time, France were rewarded for a half-hour onslaught on the English goal, when Bussaglia took her courage in both hands, thrust to the edge of the box, and curled a stunningly precise shot with her left foot straight into the top corner. The glorious finish from the 25-year-old, a native of Champagne-Ardennes in the north of France, patently broke battling England’s hearts, and will be seen in retrospect as the pivotal moment in a tense and exciting game.

Memorable moments

Extra-time times two

Prior to the tournament, all the experts warned that the top nations are now tightly bunched in terms of quality, tactics and fighting spirit, and the passionate crowds have been treated to genuinely close and exhilarating women's football throughout. As a result, it was no surprise that the first day of the knockout stages saw both matches go into extra time, although the phenomenon has already occurred at the FIFA Women's World Cup in the past. At another record-breaking edition of the tournament, the 1999 finals in the USA, Brazil won the third-place play-off and the hosts sent a 90,185 crowd at the Pasadena Rose Bowl into raptures with victory in the Final, both on penalties and on the same day. Even in the absence of the hosts from now on, it seems the fans can look forward to drama and thrills all the way in Germany.

The sacred ritual

Despite pre-match tension, stress and a huge media presence in the build-up to a do-or-die encounter, some things remain sacred. As the England team bus approached the Arena in Leverkusen at around 5pm in the afternoon, coach Hope Powell and her staff were seen taking a cup of tea, totally in accordance with an ancient and long-standing institution in their home country. It was, of course, only 4pm in Britain, which is traditionally tea-time for the English. And why not enjoy a refreshing cuppa when you can? A little calm before the storm of a FIFA Women's World Cup quarter-final can only have been a good thing.

The stat

600 - Jill Scott's superb opener in Leverkusen was one for the history books, as the 24-year-old netted the 600th goal in the history of the FIFA Women's World Cup. The 1.80m midfielder will have mixed feelings about the goal, however, as it was not enough for England to book a place in the last four.

The quote

“Our problem was that we just couldn't score, because England ran and defended for their lives. But obviously, I'm delighted we've ended up winning, even though we were behind until shortly before the final whistle in normal time, and then again in the penalty shoot-out,” France coach Bruno Bini.

Next up

Sunday 10 July

Sweden-Australia, Augsburg, 1 pm CET

Brazil-USA, Dresden, 5.30 pm CET

WOMEN'S SOCCER WORLD CUP 2011: Sweden became the first group winners to qualify for the semi-finals and its dreams continue

Sweden became the first group winners to qualify for the semi-finals of Germany 2011 to set up a clash with Japan in Frankfurt after defeating Australia 3-1.

The Blagult deserved to progress after dominating the match in Augsburg for large periods of the game, but they were made to work hard for the victory by a young Aussie side who showed huge commitment to get back into the game after conceding two early goals.

Player of the match Lotta Schelin had a great chance to open the scoring when Collette McCallum's back pass almost failed to make it back to the keeper, but the Lyon forward failed to control the ball properly and the threat passed.

At the other end, Australia seemed intent on peppering the Sweden defence with crosses from either flank, but the well organised Scandinavians coped well with the pressure.

The deadlock was broken in the 11th minute when a long ball from the back was collected by Schelin who showed some magic to get past FIFA Women’s World Cup debutant Ellyse Perry, before cutting the ball inside for Therese Sjogran who took one touch before firing inside Melissa Barbieri’s near post.

Sjogran was the architect for Sweden's second five minutes later when her cross from the right was inch perfect for the virtually unmarked Lisa Dahlkvist to head home. Josefine Oqvist had a good opportunity to make it three when she leapt above Kim Carroll to connect with Schelin’s cross, but her effort was well off target.

Sweden were in total control and Australia were struggling to get out of their own half. It looked as though they would lead either a moment of magic or a mistake to get them back into the game. It almost arrived in the 38th minute when McCallum's free-kick caught Hedvig Lindahl unawares and off her line, but much to her relief, the ball sailed wide.

Australia pulled one back two minutes later - and what a goal it was. A short corner from McCallum was played Perry on the edge of the box. She took a touch to control the ball with her right foot and then launched an unstoppable left footed drive into the top corner of the net.

In their previous two games, Australia had gifted goals to the opposition and unfortunately for Tom Sermanni’s side they made it three in a row at the worst possible time. Carroll casually attempted to play the ball back to the keeper, but failed to spot Schelin. The Sweden forward gratefully accepted the chance, rounded Barbieri and slipped the ball into the back of the net.

Backed by the Augsburg crowd, the Matildas refused to give up and almost reduced the deficit when Tameka Butt’s cross from the right was headed just wide by Kyah Simon. Minutes later, Lisa De Vanna may have regretted not squaring the ball to her strike partner after one of her trademark lung-bursting runs into the box. After beating Lindahl to the ball, the forward opted to shoot herself rather than square the ball to Simon who would have had an easier opportunity to make it 3-2.

As time ticked away, Barbieri almost took the ball over her own line after collecting a cross from the right awkwardly, while at the other end, Lindahl made a fantastic diving save to deny Butt’s drive from 25 yards.

Sweden celebrated a place at the Olympic Football Tournament London 2012 as well as the semi-finals at the final whistle, while Australia will almost certainly be back in four years time stronger for their experiences this time around.

Player of the match: Lotta Schelin (SWE)

Quarter-finals


Sweden - Australia3:1 (2:1)Match Date Venue / Stadium Time Attendance

27 10 July 2011 Augsburg / FIFA Women´s World Cup Stadium, Augsburg 13:00 24605



Goals scored

Therese SJOGRAN (SWE) 11', Lisa DAHLKVIST (SWE) 16', Ellyse PERRY (AUS) 40', Lotta SCHELIN (SWE) 52'

Sweden

Line-up

[1] Hedvig LINDAHL (GK)

[2] Charlotte ROHLIN

[4] Annica SVENSSON (-92')

[5] Caroline SEGER (C)

[6] Sara THUNEBRO

[7] Sara LARSSON

[8] Lotta SCHELIN

[14] Josefine OQVIST (-83')

[15] Therese SJOGRAN

[16] Linda FORSBERG (-67')

[17] Lisa DAHLKVIST

Substitute(s)

[12] Kristin HAMMARSTROM (GK)

[21] Sofia LUNDGREN (GK)

[3] Linda SEMBRANT

[9] Jessica LANDSTROM

[10] Sofia JAKOBSSON

[11] Antonia GORANSSON

[13] Lina NILSSON (+92')

[18] Nilla FISCHER [Y] (+67')

[19] Madelaine EDLUND (+83')

[20] Marie HAMMARSTROM

Coach

Thomas DENNERBY (SWE)Australia

Line-up

[1] Melissa BARBIERI (GK)(C)

[3] Kim CARROLL [Y]

[6] Ellyse PERRY (-59')

[7] Heather GARRIOCK [Y]

[8] Elise KELLOND-KNIGHT

[9] Caitlin FOORD

[10] Servet UZUNLAR

[11] Lisa DE VANNA [Y]

[12] Emily VAN EGMOND (-58')

[14] Collette McCALLUM (-79')

[17] Kyah SIMON

Substitute(s)

[18] Lydia WILLIAMS (GK)

[21] Casey DUMONT (GK)

[2] Teigen ALLEN

[4] Clare POLKINGHORNE (+58')

[5] Laura ALLEWAY

[13] Tameka BUTT (+59')

[15] Sally SHIPARD (+79')

[16] Lauren COLTHORPE

[19] Leena KHAMIS

[20] Samantha KERR

Coach

Tom SERMANNI (AUS)Cautions

Kyah SIMON (AUS) 23', Therese SJOGRAN (SWE) 67', Heather GARRIOCK (AUS) 80', Nilla FISCHER (SWE) 81'

Sent off

Sweden (SWE) Statistics Australia (AUS)

15 Shots 12

6 Shots on goal 3

3 Goals Scored 1

20 Fouls Committed 5

5 Fouls Suffered 19

3 Corner kicks 9

1 Free kicks Shots (scored) 2

0 / 0 Penalty Kicks (Goals/Shots) 0 / 0

3 Offsides 2

0 Own Goals 0

2 Yellow cards 2

0 Second yellow card and red card 0

0 Red Cards 0

27 Actual playing time 28

49% Possession (%) 51%


Sweden-Australia: Quotes



Sweden coach Thomas Dennerby

We are very satisfied to have reached the semi-finals and that we’ve gained the chance to play at the Olympic Games in London. Up to yesterday we thought our opposing team in the semi-finals was going to be Germany, but now we have to concentrate on winning against Japan. We do not have very good memories of playing against them, but we hope to do better this time. We will work out a promising tactical plan and our players will work hard to go one step further.
Australian coach Tom Sermanni

Sweden played a formidable match, but we are very proud of our efforts as well. Unfortunately we made too many simple mistakes. Even in the half time we were very confident to come back and win the game. But after their last goal it was extremely difficult. Considering the whole tournament, we do have very good and particularly talented players. The biggest disappointment is the fact that we just give to many goals to our opponents. But as I always say, we never give up at any moment.
Sweden forward and player of the match Lotta Schelin

We were a little nervous before we went out, but there is a fantastic atmosphere in our team and we pulled each other through.
Therese Sjorgran, Sweden midfielder

I think we have a good chance to win against Japan. We’ve already played them and we are well prepared. We need to have a good defence because they come through the midfield. It is nice that I scored, but Lotta (Schelin) did a great job, too. I’m very proud though. It doesn’t matter to me if I scored the goal or assisted, the important thing is that we won. We will have to perform well to beat Japan, but we are taller and have to use that to our advantage.

Linda Forsberg, Sweden forward

It was a tough game and they played quite well, but we held them up. We are satisfied now. We just had to keep trying and keep going in the game. It was important that Lotta (Schelin) scored and now is more confident. We now have to take one game at a time and also focus on one game at a time.


Kyah Simon, Australia forward

On the one side, I am disappointed, but on the other side, I am happy about reaching the quarter-finals. But we are hungry for the next tournaments and we will do a better job. Sweden was today the better team and they deserve the semi-finals. It was a great experience for me at my first World Cup and I am looking forward to the next ones. The time was great and I enjoyed it. I am pleased about my own performances too.

Servet Uzunlar, Australia defender

The time in Germany was fantastic and I enjoyed it. Lotta Schelin’s performance was great today and that’s why we struggled, because we didn’t have enough place to buckle up. She is really quick.

a.e.t.: After extra time (C): Captain PSO: Penalty Shoot-out

GK: Goalkeeper N: Not eligible to play I: Injured

Y: Misses next match if booked Pos: Positions A: Absent

WOMEN'S SOCCER WORLD CUP: Curtain comes down on Germany's golden generation

Sunday 10 July 2011

Germany's dream of a third FIFA Women's World Cup™ triumph in a row crumbled to dust in Wolfsburg on Saturday evening, unleashing a numbing wave of shock and disbelief in the host nation. The quarter-final defeat to Japan by the only goal of the game in extra time was not how the script was meant to read. It was not only Germany's first defeat in 12 years at the global tournament, it was also a near-tragic final act for a truly golden generation.

German FA (DFB) president Dr Theo Zwanziger made no attempt to hide his dismay afterwards. “We’re deeply disappointed. The players who were in their last tournament would have loved to bow out with a trophy. But defeats are as much a part of sport as victories."

One of those days

Coach Silvia Neid's team certainly controlled their encounter with the hard-running, superbly disciplined and technically excellent Japanese for long stretches of the 120 minutes, but still left the field empty-handed. With no exceptions, the players who had hoped to make it a hat-trick on the global stage were on the verge of tears, and a handful simply broke down and wept copiously. “It really hasn't sunk in yet. To me, what's just happened is almost surreal," keeper Nadine Angerer lamented.

Neid collected her thoughts with admirable speed afterwards, recognising with a sense of resignation that it was simply not Germany's day. “It's happened exactly as I feared it might. When you play the team ranked fourth in the world, the tiny things make the difference. We didn't have it in us to score today. Our set plays were too imprecise, and when you play Japan, you're always at risk of being caught on the break. Obviously, it's very sad and disappointing. We had the desire, but we could have played for all eternity today and still not scored."

To add injury to insult, as it were, the match opened disastrously for the hosts when shooting star Kim Kulig hobbled off in obvious pain just a few minutes into the game. Germany team doctor Bernd Lasarzewski has subsequently confirmed that the forceful 21-year-old midfielder, who signed for FFC Frankfurt from Hamburg a short time ago, has ruptured a cruciate ligament and will be out of action for at least six months.
Birgit’s sad farewell

Naturally, one defeat is not the end of the world for women's football in Germany, as the national team is all but certain to retain its place in the elite for the foreseeable future. A role as one of the favourites for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2015 in Canada seems predestined. However, Saturday's defeat to the big-hearted Japanese does mean a brutal, abrupt and unexpected end to an illustrious era, and the departure from the international stage of some of the greatest women's players of all time.

Three-time FIFA World Player of the Year and (still) FIFA Women's World Cup top scorer Birgit Prinz will finish with 128 goals from 214 appearances for her country, while versatile defender Ariane Hingst amassed 10 goals in 174 matches. Striker Inka Grings is 32 and has yet to decide whether to represent her country again. Angerer is the same age, and winger Kerstin Garefrekes just a year younger: both will be considering their international futures.

Dawn of a new generation

In retrospect, Prinz’ exit from international football was a touch unworthy of such a towering figure. She watched the whole of the quarter-final from the bench, and also failed to feature in a 4–2 victory over France in Germany's final group fixture. “I'm frustrated and disappointed. I felt fit and I'd have happily played. But the coach decided otherwise, and I accept that," the player stated. Looking ahead, the question will be which of a genuinely promising new generation, spearheaded by Kulig, Alexandra Popp, Fatmire Bajramaj, Simone Laudehr and Celia Okoyino da Mbabi, will now fill the gap left by the greatest player yet in the history of the German women's game.

It is not a case of a totally fresh start, but rather of re-acclimatising following more than a decade laden with trophies and triumphs. Difficult as the process may be, it could yet prove the crucible for a collection of new faces to emerge from the shadows and take up the reins for themselves.

WOMEN'S SOCCER WORLD CUP: USA defeated Brazil in the drama of penalties

USA advanced into the semi-finals of the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup™ by defeating Brazil on penalties in a drama-charged encounter in Dresden.


Victory for USA sets up a last-four meeting with France on Wednesday and continues their record of never missing the semi-finals.

USA led after just two minutes thanks to an own goal from Brazil defender Daiane, who turned a Shannon Boxx cross into her own net.

The South Americans were able to recover thanks to a twice-taken penalty midway through the second half, and Marta doubled her tally just two minutes into extra time.

The match seemed over until Abby Wambach claimed heroine status with an equaliser deep into injury time, with USA then prevailing 5-3 on penalties.

Following the early goal USA maintained their bright start with Wambach narrowly missing with a header from a smart Christie Rampone free-kick.

Brazil finally started to come into the contest with Aline’s header hitting the side-netting from Marta’s well-taken corner.

Marta then went on a lung-bursting 80 metre run only for Rampone to maintain pressure on the Brazilian, who fired over.

Seven minutes before the interval came Brazil’s best chance of the half as Fabiana’s shot from a narrow angle hit the crossbar.

The second 45 minutes commenced in muted fashion before bursting into life midway through the half. Marta was brought down in the penalty area, with USA suffering a double blow as defender Rachel Buehler was dismissed. Cristiane saw her penalty saved only for a retake to be ordered, and this time Marta coolly converted.

Extra time commenced perfectly for Brazil as Marta scored another high-quality goal worthy of the world’s greatest stage. The five-time FIFA World Player of the Year collected a pass from the left and deftly flicked it home via the far post.

Despite playing with ten players, USA continued to press at every opportunity and finally got their reward two minutes into injury time as a superb Megan Rapinoe cross found Wambach, who stretched to head home just inside the post.

The only failure in the penalty shootout was Brazil defender Daiane, who saw her effort saved by Hope Solo, allowing Alex Krieger to convert for a famous USA victory.

Player of the match: Hope Solo (USA)

QUOTES

Brazil coach Kleiton Lima


It was a tough, close-fought match. We knew before the game that USA are a very strong side. Our team may be a little more creative, but we just couldn't impose ourselves today. We wanted to get forward and hit them on the counter, but unfortunately we conceded another goal towards the end of extra time, which took it to penalties. I still think we've had a good World Cup, even if ultimately we didn't achieve our goal.
USA coach Pia Sundhage

It's hard to put all the feelings that are going through my head right now into words. I come from Sweden, but this core American value of bringing the best out of one another is infectious. I'm very proud and happy to be coach of the USA.
USA goalkeeper and Player of the Match Hope Solo

What I love about this team is the fact that you can feel the energy and trust - even after the defeat against Sweden. That's the really special thing about this group. Even when we were a player down and a goal behind in extra time, you sensed that something was going to happen. The team kept fighting. You can't teach that. It's a feeling - and we play with that feeling.

THE DAY REPLAYED 
 
The two quarter-finals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Germany 2011™ played on Sunday proved to be a real test of nerves for players and fans alike. After both France and Japan needed an additional 30 minutes to qualify on Saturday, it was the turn of USA to draw out the suspense by taking their game against Brazil into extra time. And just like Les Bleues, their upcoming semi-final opponents, the North Americans required penalty kicks to see off their resolute rivals.


Again inspired by an impressive Marta, Brazil may look back with regret on this loss, during which they contrived to score an own goal in the opening minutes, fail to properly capitalise on a second-half numerical advantage, and concede an equaliser in the final seconds of extra time.

Earlier on in the day, Sweden saw off Australia to qualify for the last four in more straightforward circumstances, as their challengers were unable to live up to their status of dark horses. Under a scorching afternoon sun, the Scandinavians put on a display of composure and maturity, scoring from sharp, well-constructed moves, and taking full advantage of some of the errors present in the inexperienced Australians’ play.

The Matildas can nevertheless be proud of what they have achieved, recording double the number of victories at this year’s event than they had in all of their previous FIFA Women’s World Cup appearances put together. Their one previous win had come four years ago at China 2007, where they also fell at the quarter-final stage.

Results

Sweden 3-1 Australia

Brazil 2-2 USA (aet, USA win 5-3 on penalties)




Goal of the day


Brazil-USA, Abby Wambach 120+2'


Deep in injury time of extra time, the Americans, with just ten players and trailing 2-1 following Marta’s second goal of the match, looked to be down and out. But with virtually the last kick of the ball, Megan Rapinoe hoisted a deep cross into the box that appeared to be heading straight into the gloves of Andrea in the Brazil goal. The Canarinhas' keeper miscalculated her dive, however, missing the ball by the slightest of margins and allowing Abby Wambach to thump a header into the back of the net for her second goal of the competition. The unlikely equaliser saved the United States from defeat and eventually propelled them into the semi-finals, with the help of a penalty shootout.
Memorable moments


Lively Lotta

The Australians were twice found guilty of defensive naivety in their quarter-final clash today. Knocking the ball back to the goalkeeper is a dangerous game to play when faced with a forward with the instincts of Sweden’s Lotta Schelin. When the Lyon striker failed to punish Collette McCallum’s error early on in the match, this should perhaps have served as a warning for the Antipodean side. The second time around the Swede would make no mistake, pouncing on Kim Carroll’s wayward pass to round the keeper and score her country’s third goal of the day.
Record collection

The 28th meeting between Brazil and USA was an amazing encounter that swung this way and that. It was also a match that saw two new FIFA Women’s World Cup records set. The first came right at the start when, with under two minutes on the clock, the unfortunate Daiane scored the quickest own goal in the history of the tournament. The second now belongs to Abby Wambach who, with an equaliser in the 122nd minute of the game, scored the latest goal the event has ever seen.

The stat

14 – The number of FIFA Women’s World Cup goals scored by Brazil star Marta, whose two quarter-final strikes against USA saw her draw level with Birgit Prinz’s all-time tournament record. This achievement may offer the South American some measure of consolation, following her team’s dramatic defeat by USA. A little further down the list on 11, Abby Wambach would appear to be the only player in with a possibility of equalling or surpassing this total at Germany 2011.
The quote

“Things just fell into place for my goal. It was a bit of a relief for me, because Sweden’s first two goals stemmed from moves down my side, so I kind of owed it to my team-mates. But what an incredible feeling it was to score, especially when you play at the back and you don’t get that many shooting chances,” Ellyse Perry, Australia right-back and scorer of her nation’s goal against Sweden
Next up

Wednesday 13 July (semi-finals)

France-USA, Monchengladbach, 18.00 CET

Japan-Sweden, Frankfurt, 20.45 CET


BRAZIL VS USA RESULT AND STATISTICS
 
2:2 a.e.t. (1:1, 0:1) 3:5 PSO


MARTA (68' PEN 92')

DAIANE (2' OG)

Abby WAMBACH (120'+2)

Match 28 - Group Dresden

Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion Dresden Referee: Jacqui MELKSHAM (AUS)
 
Brazil - USA2:2 a.e.t. (1:1, 0:1) 3:5 PSOMatch Date Venue / Stadium Time Attendance


28 10 July 2011 Dresden / Rudolf-Harbig-Stadion Dresden 17:30 25598



Goals scored

DAIANE (BRA) 2' Own goal, MARTA (BRA) 68' Penalty goal, MARTA (BRA) 92', Abby WAMBACH (USA) 120'+2

Brazil

Line-up

[1] ANDREIA (GK)

[2] MAURINE

[3] DAIANE [Y]

[4] ALINE (C)

[6] ROSANA (-85')

[7] ESTER

[8] FORMIGA (-113')

[10] MARTA

[11] CRISTIANE

[13] ERIKA

[14] FABIANA

Substitute(s)

[12] BARBARA (GK)

[21] THAIS (GK)

[5] RENATA COSTA [Y] (+113')

[9] BEATRIZ

[15] FRANCIELLE [Y] (+85')

[16] ELAINE

[17] DANIELE

[18] THAIS GUEDES

[19] GRAZIELLE

[20] ROSEANE

Coach

Kleiton LIMA (BRA)USA

Line-up

[1] Hope SOLO (GK)

[3] Christie RAMPONE (C)

[6] Amy LE PEILBET [Y]

[7] Shannon BOXX

[8] Amy RODRIGUEZ (-72')

[9] Heather O REILLY (-108')

[10] Carli LLOYD

[11] Alex KRIEGER

[12] Lauren CHENEY (-55')

[19] Rachel BUEHLER

[20] Abby WAMBACH [Y]

Substitute(s)

[18] Nicole BARNHART (GK)

[21] Jill LOYDEN (GK)

[2] Heather MITTS

[4] Becky SAUERBRUNN

[5] Kelley O HARA

[13] Alex MORGAN (+72')

[14] Stephanie COX

[15] Megan RAPINOE (+55')

[16] Lori LINDSEY

[17] Tobin HEATH (+108')

Coach

Pia SUNDHAGE (SWE)Cautions

Carli LLOYD (USA) 29', ALINE (BRA) 44', MARTA (BRA) 45', Hope SOLO (USA) 67', Megan RAPINOE (USA) 90'+1, MAURINE (BRA) 112', Shannon BOXX (USA) 113', ERIKA (BRA) 117'

Sent off

Rachel BUEHLER (USA) 65'

Penalty Shoot-out



CRISTIANE 11GoalMARTA 10GoalDAIANE 3SavedFRANCIELLE 15GoalShannon BOXX 7GoalCarli LLOYD 10GoalAbby WAMBACH 20GoalMegan RAPINOE 15GoalAlex KRIEGER 11GoalBrazil (BRA) Statistics USA (USA)

16 Shots 14

6 Shots on goal 5

2 Goals Scored 2

19 Fouls Committed 17

15 Fouls Suffered 17

6 Corner kicks 11

1 Free kicks Shots (scored) 4

1 / 1 Penalty Kicks (Goals/Shots) 0 / 0

2 Offsides 4

1 Own Goals 0

4 Yellow cards 4

0 Second yellow card and red card 0

0 Red Cards 1

33 Actual playing time 34

50% Possession (%) 50%



a.e.t.: After extra time (C): Captain PSO: Penalty Shoot-out

GK: Goalkeeper N: Not eligible to play I: Injured

Y: Misses next match if booked Pos: Positions A: Absent

Play-by-Play The penalty shoot-out is over.


5 KRIEGER (USA) successfully converts the penalty!

5 FRANCIELLE (Brazil) successfully converts the penalty!

5 RAPINOE (USA) successfully converts the penalty!

5 DAIANE R. (Brazil) sees her penalty saved by the goalkeeper.

5 WAMBACH (USA) successfully converts the penalty!

5 MARTA (Brazil) successfully converts the penalty!

5 LLOYD (USA) successfully converts the penalty!

5 CRISTIANE (Brazil) successfully converts the penalty!

5 BOXX (USA) successfully converts the penalty!

The penalty shoot-out is about to begin.

The referee blows for the end of the second period of extra time.

120' +4 32 The goalkeeper of USA pulls off a save.

120' +4 8 A player from Brazil sees her effort hit the target.

120' +2 3 (2 - 2) WAMBACH (USA) scores!!

120' +1 7 USA tries a shot on goal, but it is off-target.

119' 32 The goalkeeper of USA pulls off a save.

119' 8 A player from Brazil sees her effort hit the target.

118' 7 USA strike their free-kick wide.

118' 11 A player from Brazil commits a foul.

117' 1 ERIKA (Brazil) is yellow carded.

117' 10 USA take the corner kick.

114' 10 USA swing in the corner.

113' 7 Brazil strike their free-kick wide.

113' 4 RENATA C. (in) comes off the bench to replace FORMIGA (out) (Brazil)

113' 1 BOXX (USA) is booked by the referee.

113' 11 USA are penalised after committing a foul.

112' 1 MAURINE (Brazil) is cautioned.

111' 11 USA concede a free-kick following a challenge on a player from Brazil.

111' 6 USA has a shot blocked.

108' 4 HEATH (in) comes off the bench to replace O'REILLY (out) (USA)

108' 7 USA strike their free-kick wide.

107' 11 A player from Brazil illegally handles the ball.

The referee signals the start of the second period of extra time.

The referee blows for the end of the first period of extra time.

105' +1 9 A player from Brazil is adjudged to be in an offside position.

104' 10 Brazil take the corner kick.

103' 7 Brazil tries a shot on goal, but it is off-target.

101' 9 Brazil are ruled offside.

101' 10 Brazil swing in the corner.

100' 10 Brazil take the corner kick.

98' 11 A player from Brazil commits a foul.

98' 10 USA swing in the corner.

98' 32 The goalkeeper of Brazil pulls off a save.

98' 8 A player from USA sees her effort hit the target.

97' 10 USA take the corner kick.

96' 10 USA swing in the corner.

95' 11 Brazil are penalised after committing a foul.

93' 10 USA take the corner kick.

92' 3 (2 - 1) MARTA (Brazil) scores!!

91' 9 A player from USA is adjudged to be in an offside position.

The referee signals the start of the first period of extra time.

End of regular time - extra time to follow...

90' +4 6 USA has a shot blocked.

90' +3 32 The goalkeeper of Brazil pulls off a save.

90' +3 8 A player from USA sees her effort hit the target.

90' +1 1 RAPINOE (USA) is yellow carded.

90' 11 Brazil concede a free-kick following a challenge on a player from USA.

89' 11 A player from Brazil commits a foul.

88' 11 USA are penalised after committing a foul.

86' 11 Brazil concede a free-kick following a challenge on a player from USA.

85' 4 FRANCIELLE (in) comes off the bench to replace ROSANA (out) (Brazil)

83' 10 Brazil swing in the corner.

82' 10 USA take the corner kick.

82' 6 USA has a shot blocked.

82' 10 USA swing in the corner.

81' 6 Brazil has a shot blocked.

78' 9 USA are ruled offside.

76' 10 USA take the corner kick.

75' 7 USA tries a shot on goal, but it is off-target.

72' 4 MORGAN (in) comes off the bench to replace RODRIGUEZ (out) (USA)

70' 6 Brazil has a shot blocked.

68' 3 (1 - 1) MARTA (Brazil) successfully converts the penalty!

67' 1 SOLO (USA) is booked by the referee.

65' 2 BUEHLER (USA) is sent off!

65' 11 A player from Brazil is fouled inside the box by a player from USA.

65' 7 Brazil tries a shot on goal, but it is off-target.

63' 7 So close! USA hit the free-kick against the crossbar.

63' 11 A player from Brazil commits a foul.

60' 32 The goalkeeper of USA pulls off a save.

60' 8 A player from Brazil sees her effort hit the target.

59' 11 A player from Brazil illegally handles the ball.

59' 10 Brazil swing in the corner.

57' 11 Brazil are penalised after committing a foul.

56' 9 A player from USA is adjudged to be in an offside position.

55' 4 RAPINOE (in) comes off the bench to replace CHENEY (out) (USA)

51' 11 A player from USA illegally handles the ball.

49' 11 USA concede a free-kick following a challenge on a player from Brazil.

47' 11 A player from USA commits a foul.

The second half kicks off.

The referee brings the first half to an end.

45' +2 11 USA are penalised after committing a foul.

45' +1 11 Brazil concede a free-kick following a challenge on a player from USA.

45' +1 11 A player from USA commits a foul.

45' 1 MARTA (Brazil) is cautioned.

44' 1 ALINE (Brazil) is yellow carded.

44' 11 Brazil are penalised after committing a foul.

43' 32 The goalkeeper of Brazil pulls off a save.

43' 8 A player from USA sees her effort hit the target.

38' 7 So close! A player from Brazil rattles the crossbar.

37' 11 A player from USA illegally handles the ball.

36' 32 The goalkeeper of USA pulls off a save.

36' 8 A player from Brazil sees her effort hit the target.

34' 11 USA concede a free-kick following a challenge on a player from Brazil.

31' 11 A player from Brazil commits a foul.

29' 1 LLOYD (USA) is booked by the referee.

29' 11 USA are penalised after committing a foul.

27' 7 Brazil tries a shot on goal, but it is off-target.

26' 9 USA are ruled offside.

25' 11 Brazil concede a free-kick following a challenge on a player from USA.

23' 7 Brazil tries a shot on goal, but it is off-target.

23' 11 A player from Brazil commits a foul.

22' 7 Brazil tries a shot on goal, but it is off-target.

22' 10 Brazil take the corner kick.

21' 6 Brazil has a shot blocked.

20' 11 USA are penalised after committing a foul.

19' 11 USA concede a free-kick following a challenge on a player from Brazil.

19' 11 A player from Brazil commits a foul.

17' 7 USA tries a shot on goal, but it is off-target.

15' 11 USA are penalised after committing a foul.

12' 10 USA swing in the corner.

12' 10 USA take the corner kick.

12' 32 The goalkeeper of Brazil pulls off a save.

12' 8 USA hit their free-kick on target.

11' 11 Brazil concede a free-kick following a challenge on a player from USA.

9' 11 A player from USA commits a foul.

5' 11 Brazil are penalised after committing a foul.

4' 11 USA concede a free-kick following a challenge on a player from Brazil.

2' 3 (0 - 1) DAIANE R. (Brazil) scores an own goal!!

1' 11 A player from Brazil commits a foul.

The match kicks off.