COMMENTARY | The world's best in women's soccer took the stage Sunday for the FIFA Women's World Cup Final in Germany. If ever there was a match that had movie script all over it, this was it. Sports fans were riveted. Soccer may not be the biggest sport in the United States, especially women's soccer, but few could deny the importance of this game.
No hard feelings
Of course, I wanted the U.S. to pull out a hat trick and make history with three World Cup victories. A passionate fan of the game, I was rooting for our team; but how can you hate the Japanese? Japan suffered unmercifully this past year between the earthquakes, tsunami and nuclear meltdowns claiming so many of its citizens. They were clearly the underdogs throughout the tournament, but those girls had heart. I am happy for Coach Norio Sasaki and her team. In the same way, even though U.S. players squandered numerous chances throughout the game, blowing the lead minutes, just six minutes, from the win, how can you do anything but cheer for the girls who lifted the game, yet again, countrywide?
Exciting game
If only hitting the post counted as a goal, or even half a point, the final would have ended much different. The U.S. players seemed to have a magnetic reaction to the goal posts. Although the U.S. was dominating for most of the game, the team from Japan simply did not give or let up for a moment, and ultimately came out on top.
Aya Miyama scored in the 81st minute, Homare Sawa in the 117th minute and then Saki Kumagai sealed the deal with the game-winning penalty and the first ever win against the United States. Ultimately, though, a shootout is, in my opinion, a lousy way to end a World Cup final. Soccer is a team sport and at it's best when played as a team.
Far from a failure
Women's soccer undoubtedly came out a winner this year. While soccer is huge around the world, the United States has, in general, been late to the party. With the excitement around the matches leading up to the big game Sunday, Americans were taking note. While many ripped on the U.S. team for choking at the end, they gave us a fascinating run; even the president was taking note of those girls. Young soccer players have new role models to look up to in Abby Wambach, Hope Solo, Carli Lloyd, Alex Morgan and the rest of the star team -- just like they had Mia Hamm, Michelle Akers, Brandi Chastain and Kristine Lilly.
We should be proud of our team, despite the loss. They competed on the world stage and left as winners in my book.
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