Nadeshiko Japan win hearts in defeat

By Alastair Himmer

Olympics Aug. 10, 2012 - 06:00PM JST ( 22 )

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22 Comments

3

YubaruAug. 10, 2012 - 03:26PM JST

at least look set to fly home in style.

About time! They deserve it! Thanks for the fun!
4

terebikoAug. 10, 2012 - 03:40PM JST

The two non-calls were a factor in the win by Team USA, and it is unfortunate that the referees did not make the calls, but that is also part of the game I guess. Great match by both teams, and in general, I think that when the U.S. and Japan play, there tend to be less fouls, and the fans can really enjoy the game. Thanks Olympic Champions Team USA and World Champions Nadeshiko Japan. I hope you get business class seats on the way home!
15

rickyveeAug. 10, 2012 - 03:53PM JST

i'm american, and i'm glad the US won, but if were to lose to a team, i wouldn't mind losing to japan. nadeshiko japan are the most gifted soccer players around, with not only great technical skill but also unbelievable vision and instincts.
-11

sandiegoluvAug. 10, 2012 - 04:23PM JST

Bad calls happen in every game. That is the sport. Although I do find this fanaticism with one's own country's team irritatingly stupid. I am happy the USA won, but it does make me a difference at all. I don't know them and they don't know me. Stay up late too watch it? Not on your life. Bunch of over emotional nonsense as far as I am concerned.

> “They never give up. I was crying after the game but just so proud.”

Ummmm. Duh. And so does every other team in the Olympics. That is nothing special. Why do people think that just because your team fought hard in the last game that it is anything different than the other teams in the finals? Cry after the game win or lose? WHY? A bunch of hokum.

> Japan was even described by U.S. coach Pia Sundhage as the better team.

Really? Where and when did that coach say something so stupid as that. You'd think a coach would never say that about the opposing team, but if that was said, it really shows a lot of class.

> “Gold, silver - it doesn’t matter. Japan were the best team,” 32-year-old chef Kensuke Arai.

Sorry, Kensuke. Check the score and give credit where it is due. It was not so easy for the USA to win either. But, one thing i will not get is nationalistic over this. It is just a game. Crying, shouting and carrying on over this is nonsense on either side, win or lose. I think we have our priorities completely off, sorry.

Congrats to both teams. They both played well and deserve a round of applause.
0

sandiegoluvAug. 10, 2012 - 04:43PM JST

By the way, here is what Pai said.

"Japan were too good for us. However, we defended well and showed huge heart to win - playing against a better team in a big final at Wembley.

"We won the gold medal and I have to credit my team for the way they dug in and played. I am so happy right now."

I think she showed the most class of anyone. WOW!
3

JDB829Aug. 10, 2012 - 05:30PM JST

Whatever the situation, result, topic, there will always be naysayers and critics. The title says it all! Nadeshiko won our hearts in defeat. Let's not cry because of what wasn't, but smile and rejoice because of what was! To the ladies of Nadeshiko I offer a heartfelt "Otsukaresama."
4

SerranoAug. 10, 2012 - 05:39PM JST

Congratulations to both teams for their gold and silver medals, and thank you for giving us a great match!
-1

sandiegoluvAug. 10, 2012 - 05:57PM JST

Watching the best two teams in the sport is really fun to do. I actually recorded it to watch later on, which is what I did. Very exciting match. Two great powerhouses no doubt.
-3

sandiegoluvAug. 10, 2012 - 06:07PM JST

Congrats to both teams. They both played very hard and deserve accolade for how they played. And I do like the Nadeshiko girls as well. You would think I was bashing the girls but I do like them very much. Boy, oh boy.
1

JDB829Aug. 10, 2012 - 06:09PM JST

@bicultural

Great post!
-1

herefornowAug. 10, 2012 - 08:28PM JST

Why do people think that just because your team fought hard in the last game that it is anything different than the other teams in the finals?

Sandiegoluv -- exactly. EVERY team in the finals is expected to fight hard. Nothing unigue or related to "Japaneseness" about that. And them being smaller is simply a matter of fact that almost all Japanese teams face. If that is going to be an excuse or basis for rationalizing every time they lose, they ought to stop competing. That being said, they played a great game, and I could see where even an unbiased fan could say they outplayed the U.S. in many aspects.
-2

Oz_MonsterAug. 10, 2012 - 09:09PM JST

You have to give credit to Team USA and congratulations on their 3rd Olympic title. There were many defensive lapses in Nadeshiko Japans game right through the competition. The 8 min heading goal by Llyod a classic example with Japan's defensive line all watching and facing the ball and failing to cover the attackers coming forward. The 2nd goal by Lloyd was a fantastic strike and not much defenders or keeper could do. Yet the defenders gave Lloyd the space and well the rest is history.
At 2-0 many teams would and do just give up and I really like the fact that Nadeshiko Japan kept trying to win the game. Mind you Japan had their chances to level the game and even go ahead. Some great saves by Solo and the crossbar especially. I really enjoyed the game and thanks Nadeshiko Japan so such an entertaining Olympic campaign! You Gals ROCK!
0

xbauer2002Aug. 10, 2012 - 09:23PM JST

First class seats!
3

shanabelleAug. 10, 2012 - 09:39PM JST

This really was a 'beautiful game'! Two great teams playing their hearts out with true sportsmanship! I am so glad I got up early to watch the game live!
2

Ben JackAug. 10, 2012 - 09:46PM JST

Nadeshiko Japan win hearts in defeat

They had my heart from the beginning. By the way, a silver medal is not defeat in any way, shape or form.
3

Ben JackAug. 10, 2012 - 09:51PM JST

Wow, some people woke up on the wrong side of the futon. Anyway, a silver medal is not a defeat. In fact, medal or no medal, these wonderful women are winners and heros in my book.
0

Bgood41Aug. 10, 2012 - 11:25PM JST

Both teams play game the way soccer should be without employing dirty tactics as other teams. I am so proud of the Nadeshiko who represent Japan's image to the world. FIFA penalized Columbian player for punching Wambauch two games, but take no action for Canadian's Tomcredi vicious stomping on the head of U.S. player's Carly LLoyd since the next world cup will be play in Canada. FIFA sent the wrong message and it is politics as usual for them. What a shame. The Nadeshiko and their coach set a good example of what soccer game should play for all gender of players.
0

ka_chanAug. 11, 2012 - 06:37AM JST

Still think the name does not fit.
0

sandiegoluvAug. 11, 2012 - 02:59PM JST

@ka_chan

Great Post!
0

sandiegoluvAug. 11, 2012 - 03:01PM JST

@xbauer2002 Great Post!
0

HopeAndChange2012Aug. 11, 2012 - 07:31PM JST

Team Japan played fair and they played hard. They were a better opponent than the girls from Canada.
0

SerranoAug. 19, 2012 - 07:57PM JST

They've already scored against Mexico.