September 2012
© Getty Images
THE DAY REPLAYED – USA upset the odds to edge Germany in a battle of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup elite. Germany had comprehensibly overcome their rivals 3-0 in a Group D encounter just a fortnight ago, and went into the contest without having conceded a goal during all six matches at Japan 2012. However, a lone strike from Kealia Ohai a minute before half-time proved to be the decisive moment of the contest as USA claimed their third crown at the expense of the 2010 champions.
Earlier in the day Japan proved a popular winner for the majority of the large and colourful Tokyo crowd. Goals in either half from Yoko Tanaka and Asuka Nishikawa had the Young Nadeshiko on their way in what was a typically high-spirited display. However, 2010 finalists Nigeria have shown their resilience more than once during the tournament, and a Desire Oparanozie strike caused nerves to jangle for many in the National Stadium. Third place is Japan’s best performance, having never previously appeared in the semi-finals of the tournament.
Goal of the day
Nigeria 0-2 Japan, Asuka Nishikawa 50
First-half substitute Hanae Shibata classily sped past several defenders just outside the penalty area, before teeing up Nishikawa who displayed fast feet and a cool head to clip the ball into the net past the onrushing goalkeeper.
Nigeria 0-2 Japan, Asuka Nishikawa 50
First-half substitute Hanae Shibata classily sped past several defenders just outside the penalty area, before teeing up Nishikawa who displayed fast feet and a cool head to clip the ball into the net past the onrushing goalkeeper.
Memorable moments
Bright lights in the big city
Tokyo Tower, the Japan capital’s own version of Paris’ Eiffel Tower, was lit up to mark the first FIFA women’s final in Japan. For three hours the tower shone brightly in the tournament’s colours, blue and pink. One of the biggest cheers of the night came as an image of the 64-year old structure, was displayed on the giant screen.
Bright lights in the big city
Tokyo Tower, the Japan capital’s own version of Paris’ Eiffel Tower, was lit up to mark the first FIFA women’s final in Japan. For three hours the tower shone brightly in the tournament’s colours, blue and pink. One of the biggest cheers of the night came as an image of the 64-year old structure, was displayed on the giant screen.
A tale of two champions
Any doubt about USA and Germany’s claim to being the best two teams in the ten-year history of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup has surely been laid to rest at Japan 2012. The pair have now shared five of the six tournament titles to date, and are also the two most successful teams in terms of matches won and goals scored.
Any doubt about USA and Germany’s claim to being the best two teams in the ten-year history of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup has surely been laid to rest at Japan 2012. The pair have now shared five of the six tournament titles to date, and are also the two most successful teams in terms of matches won and goals scored.
Sound and colour
The closing ceremony was suitably colourful and youth-orientated with pop starlets Nogizaka 46 belting out the up-tempo Official Song of the tournament. There was also a performance by a young female band formed especially for this day, featuring both Western and Japanese instruments. The symbol of the tournament, origami cranes, bearing people's hopes and dreams on their wings, handcrafted in the five venues - Hiroshima, Kobe, Miyagi, Saitama, and Tokyo - as well as in many other parts of Japan, were carried onto the pitch to the music.
The closing ceremony was suitably colourful and youth-orientated with pop starlets Nogizaka 46 belting out the up-tempo Official Song of the tournament. There was also a performance by a young female band formed especially for this day, featuring both Western and Japanese instruments. The symbol of the tournament, origami cranes, bearing people's hopes and dreams on their wings, handcrafted in the five venues - Hiroshima, Kobe, Miyagi, Saitama, and Tokyo - as well as in many other parts of Japan, were carried onto the pitch to the music.
Special guests
Japan coach Norio Sasaki may have a post-coaching career awaiting him. The Nadeshiko coach was presented to the crowd at half-time in the final, along with several of the FIFA Women’s World Cup™-winning stars, such as the iconic Homare Sawa and captain Aya Miyama. However, it was Sasaki that stole the show drawing considerable laughter with some of his comments to an enthralled audience.
Japan coach Norio Sasaki may have a post-coaching career awaiting him. The Nadeshiko coach was presented to the crowd at half-time in the final, along with several of the FIFA Women’s World Cup™-winning stars, such as the iconic Homare Sawa and captain Aya Miyama. However, it was Sasaki that stole the show drawing considerable laughter with some of his comments to an enthralled audience.
The stat
610 – The number of minutes since had Germany conceded a goal until Ohai breached the rearguard of the 2010 champions. Ohai’s strike on 44 minutes was not only the lone goal Germany conceded at the entire tournament, but also the first since Ji Soyun found the back of the net for Korea Republic against the host nation in the semi-finals at Germany 2010.
610 – The number of minutes since had Germany conceded a goal until Ohai breached the rearguard of the 2010 champions. Ohai’s strike on 44 minutes was not only the lone goal Germany conceded at the entire tournament, but also the first since Ji Soyun found the back of the net for Korea Republic against the host nation in the semi-finals at Germany 2010.
The words
“This victory is the reflection of many people’s effort. We faced some adversity in the group phase, and the players learnt from that. Our character showed up tonight. We faced a lot of difficult games, and it showed the competitiveness of the women’s football today. But my players are good students, and they learn from each opponent. We learned and we apply the lessons of the previous games.” USA coach Steve Swanson
“This victory is the reflection of many people’s effort. We faced some adversity in the group phase, and the players learnt from that. Our character showed up tonight. We faced a lot of difficult games, and it showed the competitiveness of the women’s football today. But my players are good students, and they learn from each opponent. We learned and we apply the lessons of the previous games.” USA coach Steve Swanson
Related Items
News
- USA edge Germany for third crown »
- Joyous Japan edge Nigeria for third »
- Yoko Tanaka and the 150,000 paper cranes »
- Blatter: Women’s football is developing rapidly »
- Five questions to the chief strategists »
Teams
USA edge Germany for third crown
8 September 2012
© Getty Images
USA overcame the odds to secure a hard-fought 1-0 win against champions Germany in Tokyo to claim their third FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup crown.
Germany went into the contest having defeated USA 3-0 in a group encounter just a fortnight ago, and without having conceded a goal in six matches at the tournament.
The match commenced in cagey fashion, perhaps to the relief of USA, given Germany’s blistering three-goal burst against Japan in the semi-final.
Germany caused several anxious moments for the opposition defence with crosses from either side, but the USA defence, led capably by skipper Julie Johnston, managed to deal with the danger.
It wasn’t until past the half-hour mark that the match saw the first notable effort on goal as Germany’s
Melanie Leupolz fired in a powerful effort that caused Bryane Heaberlin
some anxious moments, before the ball narrowly cleared the crossbar.
Then USA
finally made some attacking headway as Maya Hayes made a driving run
and shot from her position on the right side of the forward line.
It
proved to be a portent of things to come as right fullback Crystal Dunn
used her pace and power to cut in from the flank and pull the ball back
for Kealia Ohai, who coolly swept home from near the penalty spot.
The tempo picked up in the second half but despite Germany shading possession, they were rarely able to pierce the USA defence.
Full-back
Leonie Maier hit a long-range effort with 15 minutes remaining which
Heaberlin pushed onto the crossbar, as the champions became increasingly
desperate.
Despite a succession of corners, Germany could not break the resilience of the Stars and Stripes.
Lina Magull had an excellent chance to draw Germany level with the last kick of the match, but Heaberlin remained cool to produce a crucial sprawling save.
Joyous Japan edge Nigeria for third
8 September 2012
© Getty Images
Hosts Japan concluded the 2012 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup with a 2-1 victory over Nigeria to claim third place.
Goals in either half from Yoko Tanaka and Asuka Nishikawa saw Japan claim a deserved win in front of a buoyant and colourful crowd at the National Stadium in Tokyo.
Nigeria started well, with Desire Oparanozie’s
free-kick from the left flank evading everyone early on, including
goalkeeper Sakiko Ikeda, only to ricochet off the far post and away to
safety. However, it was to be the closest the Africans came to getting
on the scoresheet in the opening period.
Midway through the first half Japan
opened the scoring as Tanaka let fly from distance with the ball
proving too hot for Ibubeleye Whyte. The Nigerian custodian was unable
to prevent the ball entering the goal, despite getting a hand on the
effort. It was Tanaka’s sixth of the competition.
Despite Nigeria
having more possession in the opening period, it was the home side
which had much of the momentum as the half-time whistle blew.
Five minutes after the interval Japan
doubled their advantage as first-half substitute Hanae Shibata sped
past several defenders just outside the penalty area, before teeing up
Nishikawa with a slick short pass with the finish equally sharp.
Japan
missed an opportunity to seal the match just past the hour mark, with
the ball narrowly missing two attackers and hitting the far post.
Nigeria
then collected a lifeline on 73 minutes as Oparanozie’s free-kick
slipped through the hands of Ikeda and over the line, although it should
been a regulation stop for the Japan No1.
They turned up the heat on the Japan
defence in the latter stages, but the home side managed to hang on for
third place; their best ever showing at a FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
“Playing in front of such a big crowd and being able to win will be a great experience for my players,” said Japan coach Hiroshi Yoshida. “We couldn’t reach our objective to be champions, but we really tried our best after the Nadeshiko did it [at Germany 2011] and showed us the way.
“Today
and during the whole tournament, we played our own football, insisting
on the uniqueness of Japanese football against teams stronger and
taller. These tough games against other football styles are great experience for my players and will help them in the world arena in the future."
Blatter: Women’s football is developing rapidly
Friday 7 September 2012
© AFP
On the eve of the FIFA U-20 Women’s
World Cup final between USA and Germany, a press conference was held in
Tokyo to look back at the three-week event, and ahead to tomorrow’s
finale. On hand were FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter; David Chung,
Chairman of the Committee for the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup and FIFA
Vice-President; Junji Ogura, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee
(LOC) and Tatjana Haenni, FIFA Head of the Women's Competitions. FIFA.com reviews some of the key points from the conference.
Joseph S. Blatter, FIFA President
On the state of women’s football
We are in a very happy situation with women’s football. We had an incredibly successful World Cup last year in Germany. We perhaps saw, for some, a surprising victory at the time with Japan, but we have seen confirmation of the values held by the Nadeshiko. Since then we recently saw over 70,000 at Wembley as Japan met USA.
On the state of women’s football
We are in a very happy situation with women’s football. We had an incredibly successful World Cup last year in Germany. We perhaps saw, for some, a surprising victory at the time with Japan, but we have seen confirmation of the values held by the Nadeshiko. Since then we recently saw over 70,000 at Wembley as Japan met USA.
On fair play during the tournament
Normally the losing team is unhappy and disappointed but in London it was totally different. The Nadeshiko displayed their happiness with silver in London. This is the sporting spirit that has long been an integral part of Japan football. I also must commend the Japan fans who happily applauded the German team after the semi-final. This is also fair play. And it coincided exactly with FIFA’s Fair Play Days. Football is discipline and respect. It is a fighting game, but also in the spirit of fair play.
Normally the losing team is unhappy and disappointed but in London it was totally different. The Nadeshiko displayed their happiness with silver in London. This is the sporting spirit that has long been an integral part of Japan football. I also must commend the Japan fans who happily applauded the German team after the semi-final. This is also fair play. And it coincided exactly with FIFA’s Fair Play Days. Football is discipline and respect. It is a fighting game, but also in the spirit of fair play.
On the values on display in women’s football
The behaviour of the players is excellent. There was not one single serious injury, and this is a compliment to the development of the women’s game. [Spectators saw at the Olympics] how well they played, how fair they play football and how well they behaved. Women on the field of play are fair and they are correct. I have to say it has been realised by the Technical Study Group that there is a difference between attitude of women and men players. Men can take a big example from how women behave on the field.
The behaviour of the players is excellent. There was not one single serious injury, and this is a compliment to the development of the women’s game. [Spectators saw at the Olympics] how well they played, how fair they play football and how well they behaved. Women on the field of play are fair and they are correct. I have to say it has been realised by the Technical Study Group that there is a difference between attitude of women and men players. Men can take a big example from how women behave on the field.
On the future of women’s football
Women’s football is in progress, but this is not enough. Of the 16 teams here in Japan, only one has a female coach. We should also develop technical directors to coach’s women’s football, because this is a very important component for the future of women’s game.
Women’s football is in progress, but this is not enough. Of the 16 teams here in Japan, only one has a female coach. We should also develop technical directors to coach’s women’s football, because this is a very important component for the future of women’s game.
On FIFA’s support for women’s football
As FIFA President I am totally committed to the development of women’s football. Football can be played in all countries and all cultures. This year, after 108 years, the FIFA Congress co-opted a woman, who is also a member of the IOC, named Lydia Nsekera. We are heading in the right direction.
As FIFA President I am totally committed to the development of women’s football. Football can be played in all countries and all cultures. This year, after 108 years, the FIFA Congress co-opted a woman, who is also a member of the IOC, named Lydia Nsekera. We are heading in the right direction.
On Japan’s hosting of the tournament
Thank you to Japan. Thank you for the hospitality that the 15 visiting teams have received. We have received only compliments from the delegations from all the continents. The hospitality in Japan is great, but we know that already. I am a very happy and satisfied President. Japan have had very little time to organise this tournament but what they have done is great.
Thank you to Japan. Thank you for the hospitality that the 15 visiting teams have received. We have received only compliments from the delegations from all the continents. The hospitality in Japan is great, but we know that already. I am a very happy and satisfied President. Japan have had very little time to organise this tournament but what they have done is great.
Hosting the Women’s World Cup in Japan
Japan would be a very good candidate or competitor [for 2019]. Following Europe and North America, coming back to Asia would be a good passage.
Japan would be a very good candidate or competitor [for 2019]. Following Europe and North America, coming back to Asia would be a good passage.
David Chung, Chairman of the Committee for the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup and FIFA Vice-President
On Japan’s hosting of the tournament
I have to congratulate the LOC and the Japan Football Confederation for their commitment which has delivered a highly successful tournament. I can testify that FIFA and LOC have enjoyed excellent co-operation. I have visited all the venues, and I can say that all stadiums and facilities were in excellent condition. It is always wonderful to organise a tournament in Japan with so much local knowledge and professionalism.
On Japan’s hosting of the tournament
I have to congratulate the LOC and the Japan Football Confederation for their commitment which has delivered a highly successful tournament. I can testify that FIFA and LOC have enjoyed excellent co-operation. I have visited all the venues, and I can say that all stadiums and facilities were in excellent condition. It is always wonderful to organise a tournament in Japan with so much local knowledge and professionalism.
Junji Ogura, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee
On organising the tournament
Today we are able to report that, despite the short lead-time, that we have been able to deliver a smooth and successful tournament. The LOC will continue their tireless support and focus to ensure a flawless conclusion to the tournament. The tournament has been perfectly timed for us, on the back of the Nadeshiko’s recent success. We are optimistic of a bright future for the future of women’s football and the Nadeshiko. I would also like to thank President Blatter for his support for Japan which, especially following last year’s disaster has been wonderful.
On organising the tournament
Today we are able to report that, despite the short lead-time, that we have been able to deliver a smooth and successful tournament. The LOC will continue their tireless support and focus to ensure a flawless conclusion to the tournament. The tournament has been perfectly timed for us, on the back of the Nadeshiko’s recent success. We are optimistic of a bright future for the future of women’s football and the Nadeshiko. I would also like to thank President Blatter for his support for Japan which, especially following last year’s disaster has been wonderful.
On reaction in Japan
Japanese fans have shown their wonderful support for all teams, something we have seen throughout the tournament. Also, I would like to thank the media for what has been such a new level of interest for women’s U-20 football.
Japanese fans have shown their wonderful support for all teams, something we have seen throughout the tournament. Also, I would like to thank the media for what has been such a new level of interest for women’s U-20 football.
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