7/22 Smiles and hope to Japan

Several days have gone by since July 17th, the day of the 2011 Women's World Cup Final but I am still on a Nadeshiko high and can't seem to stop smiling :)

Despite their 2-0 loss to England in their Group matches, their games leading up to the championship game were all historical games for the Japanese squad. In the tournament, they beat Germany.  And then, Sweden.  Showing that size and power are not everything in soccer.

And the final game is one I will never forget.  A game, SO worth watching nice and early at 3 a.m. in the morning.  For some reason, I had a good feeling the entire game, especially as the U.S. missed their opportunities at the start of the game.
Even when the U.S. scored their first goal, I knew we would come back.  Even when Abby Wambach headed that ball in during OT, I felt someone was going to make something happen- and Homare Sawa did.

Maybe it was due to all of the players facial expressions.  To me, they all seemed hopeful.  And they all played their hearts out until that final whistle blew.  Never giving up.  ALL 21 of them.

P.K's are of course, not the greatest way to determine the World Cup champions.  Yet, overall, it was a spectacular and breathtaking match to watch.

Nadeshiko Japan showed me and reminded me that soccer is fun.  And they were able to show it at the professional level.  And through this match, I also felt there exists...a soccer god!  But it is no miracle Nadeshiko won.  I truly believe it is a pure result of each players' efforts and of all the National players who have supported Japanese women's soccer up to this point.

I hope through this victory, women's soccer will continue to grow in Japan.  That the population of recreational female soccer players will grow, that the environment for women's professional soccer will improve.

Next up...Olympic gold!!???

Most importantly, THANK YOU SO MUCH, Nadeshiko Japan- for all the 感動 and positive energy you have brought to Japan. It brought smiles and hope to Japan. Especially during such a difficult time. なでしこジャパンに心から感謝！！！本当にありがとう！！！！