US softball team loses gold to Japan
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121 Comments
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0
Blue_Tiger
Simply put: The Japan Softball team outplayed the US Team. The US left at least eight runners stranded throughout the game, including two bases-loaded situations. I'm praoud of the USA for winning another softball medal, but must tip my hat to the Japan Team: they played a great ballgame...
0
some14some
Because US team has won far more Gold Medals than Japan and as such it was not 'do or die' fight for them.
0
boobug
"Simply put: The Japan Softball team outplayed the US Team."
Yes, but it took them three chances to finally do it. Flawed system in my opinion. Also, what was with the wide strike zone against the Americans throughout that final game ? No sour grapes, but what's fair is fair and what I saw was a bit dubious.
0
dany505
Congrats to the Japanese team. The americans were thought unbeatable but Japan out played them.
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boobug
"The americans were thought unbeatable but Japan out played them."
Who thought the USA was unbeatable ? This sounds like typical rhetoric "after" the game. I for one think the US womens team has been the pillar of class and respect. They go out every game, play hard, have fun, and are succesful. One loss will never change that. Overall these Olympics have simply been another showcase of Americas might and talent. They are once again on track to haul in more than 100 medals from a variety of sports. No other nation has shown the versatility and skill the US has. Damn great show USA. From the pool to the diamond, damn good show !
0
bebert
First, credit for the win has to go to the pitcher, Ueno, who put in a remarkable performance, pitching 3 full games (2 in extra innings) in 35 hours. She was the team's lynch pin. If she'd folded, the team would have folded.
Second, the rest of the Japanese team, who gave the U.S. team its first real competition in the series.
Third, I agree with what one of the American commentators said - that the U.S. team, used to bulldozing through all of their competition and usually ending their games in 5 innings, may have crumbled a little under pressure when they came up against a pitcher matching their caliber and a team that fought them hard for the full game, two games in a row, instead of folding like most of their other competition.
Good job Japan.
0
Sarge
"Silver is a beauty!"
It sure is!
0
eresay
Great to see such a cocky team with all their swagger and fist-pumping put in their place. Japan was the better team in the final and deserved the victory. Well done girls!
0
StealthBomber
eresay;
I disagree buddy. Japan deserved to win, but the US played fair and were not cocky.
So many hate us, why????
0
boobug
And here come the bashers,
=Great to see such a cocky team
=with all their swagger
=fist-pumping
Really ? You saw all that ? All I saw was class and respect for the opponent. Too bad those American traits have failed to rub off on many of the "bitter whingers" we see here. Excellent work team USA, now it's on to the 100 medal threshold and a victory atop the medals table. USA-USA-USA !
0
roomtemperature
"They are once again on track to haul in more than 100 medals from a variety of sports. No other nation has shown the versatility and skill the US has."
France, Germany, East-Germany, Russia and Great Britain did the same. Even more times then the US. Nothing special about those "100". Everyone counts the golden medals first. That's how it always has been. Look at every ranking. I mean RANKING,ok!! The country with the most golden medals is ALWAYS ranked first. So silly of Americans to start counting the overall total suddenly!
Flawed system? I didn't hear anybody complain before the Olympics. Now Japan won, it's suddenly a flawed system.
"This sounds like typical rhetoric "after" the game."
Yep!
0
namabiru4me
I think the Japanese played a great game and deserved to win! The US must have thought it would be an easy game because of their 2 previous wins and record. It just seems to me that they were not playing 100%.
The Japanese team had nothing to loose. They would have been happy with Bronze, but then, stunningly, found themselves playing for the gold. They were smiling and enjoying the game. Good for them!!! Everyone credits Ueno too much. Yes, she is the pitcher, but the game is a TEAM effort. If the runs were not hit, the ball not fielded...
Pitching as much as she did is not uncommon in softball (at least not in Japan). They often play in tournaments that require 3 games to be pitched in one day.
0
roomtemperature
"now it's on to the 100 medal threshold"
Big deal!!
But Japan won the gold....and not USA-USA-USA!
0
AlliedForces
roomtemperature, what is this strange obsession you have of putting down America? The US softball team as did all other US atheletes, behaved oustandingly and with honor.
0
pizzaboy
all i saw was a team wallowing in their tears as they unwillingly accepted their silver medal. I agree though, lame system where a team who loses in the semi-final (japan) is allowed a backdoor and got their way to the gold medal game. Don't agree with that at all. Is is b/c there's a lack of teams? Or is it a "girls rule" just like how they're not allowed to lead-off and only play 7 innings...
0
roomtemperature
Uhmm...alliedforces...if I may.......where did I say that US athletes didn't behave outstandingly and with honor? Can you tell me?
0
AlliedForces
roomtemperature
You know what i am inferring buddy. The US is proud of all our athletes, who also do not need drugs to be the best.
0
StealthBomber
Sarge, AlliedForces; I`m in total agreement with both of you. What great team spirit and respect for their opposition. GO GO GO USA!!!!!!!
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roomtemperature
Oh gosh...man. First answer the question. I mean questionS now!! Where did I say they behaved bad and why do you suddenly bring up drugs!! Answers please!
"You know what i am inferring buddy"
No I don't. Facts please!
0
AlliedForces
roomtemperature; Why you so upset about the US successes?
I mentioned drugs, because all Americans can be proud that their team is clean.Us lost gold but gained silver, and the respect of all decent folk.
0
soldave
Fair play to Japan. If the USA wants to top the medal table though they are going to need a hell of a haul of gold in the next few days.
0
Badsey
well it's only 8 more years.
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roomtemperature
"USA might be heading to 100 medals, but more than two-thirds are silver and bronze."
Exactly, that means in two-third of the events the US was not the best, but second best or third.
"Damn great show USA. From the pool to the diamond, damn good show !"
Yep!
0
marsnairb
This game shows why softball should not be taken away from the olympics.
0
roomtemperature
"Anyway, Grats Japan, we just couldn't beat you three times in a row."
And you conveniently forget to say that you couldn't beat Japan when it counted. To get a gold medal.
0
AlliedForces
roomtemperature
Gee, you can
t stand US successes. So what if they didnt win gold.You should be celebrating the wonderfull efforts and team spirits of all the US competitors.
0
chibaman
This country doesn't know how pathetic it is. This morning they were comparing the softball teams success to other inspiring moments in Olympic history - a dehydrated marathon runner limping down the straight; a man from a country with no swimming history and had only started swimming a year before...then the morning crews were clapping at footage of the baton drops, that's some nice sportsmanship. And why did they drop it? Because those countries are too individualistic and aim for individual glory, that's why. Then they compared the Americans (with accompanying illustration) to ferocious big bears, and the Japanese to monkeys. Yes they compared themselves to monkeys. Cos Japanese are small but clever.
some14some once again you are on the money. Japan is absolutely desperate for sporting success after being battened down repeatedly in most events over many years, and with their inferiority complex they resort to spewing absolute we-Japanese nonsense and have some kind of superiority complex.
0
Taka313
I hate to see the U.S. team lose but the Japanese pitcher, Ueno was not going to be denied. She is a juggernaut! I was really worried about her arm in the Australian game but in the 12th inning, she was still throwing the ball at 105+ kph. To then turn around and pitch the next day against the American team is truly amazing. She had to have been sore and tired but she "manned up" and got the job done. My hat's off to her and the Japanese ladies.
Taka
0
cesun
Congrats to Japan in a pretty spectacular (and surprising) win!
0
kornholio
First of all I tip my hat to Ueno and the Japan team for a well deserved win. The US had many chances to break this game open but were out pitched last night. Good pitching will always beat good hitting. It has been said that one of the reasons to omit softball from the Olympics is that the womens team is way too dominant for it's own good. They have won all the gold medals in softball since its Olympic induction until last night. The US has outscored opponents 108-3 over the last two Olympics. They have won the last six softball world championships and the last two softball world cups. Japan winning only helps the chances of the IOC reinstating softball for the 2016 summer Olympics.
0
roomtemperature
After the whole blabla and spitting if Chibaman.....
Japan won gold. The US didn't. Period!!
0
chibaman
If I what?
My beef is with racist Japan, it has little to do with the US but more to do with the rest of the world.
0
roomtemperature
"and have some kind of superiority complex."
How many times have I read here on JT.....USA!!! USA!!! USA!!!
0
roomtemperature
Uhmmm...chibaman....the real racists are the Americans on this forum.
Your bear/monkey story? It's your own problem you didn't understand. That's why you call it racist.
0
chibaman
I'm not American. Your taunts are irrelevant to me. USA can win more. They've won enough already and I don't think one medal carries as much weight as it does in sportsmanshipless Japan.
0
AlliedForces
roomtemperature
So your saying a guy like me who always presses for equality for all, regardless of race is racist. Check my posts, and show me where i am racist.
0
roomtemperature
Sportsmanshipless Japan?
Why Chibaman? Some facts?
0
chibaman
Well actually those specific comments were not made in relation to racism, but you could tie it in. Did you see it? Did you actually see this footage and are thus qualified to comment?
0
roomtemperature
No, I didn't see this footage. Yes, I'm qualified to comment. No matter if I saw it or not. The only one who saw some racism in this was you. That footage was never ment to be racist.
Just sour grapes, Chibaman. Admit it.
0
LuminousArc
boobug: Yes, but it took them three chances to finally do it. Flawed system in my opinion.
Just curious, were you complaining about the system being flawed, in your opinion, when the 6-3 US team beat the 8-0 Japanese team in Sydney 2000 to win gold?
I didn't hear any complaints then. Why complain now?
0
chibaman
Well I don't know if in the US you clap and squeal at others misfortune or not, but I consider that poor form. Desperate and disgusting is what it is.
0
dano2002
That is the reason this sport is going away. One pitcher for the Japanese? She can pitch every game and every inning? At least baseball there is some strategy and a guy getting tired. the coach (who may be a man) didn't have to do much except watch uneo pitch every inning.
plus, how about the rule on walking someone. they just can say this person walks without throwing a pitch. what a stupid rule. if the japanese were going to walk the american big momma every time then they should have to throw 4 pitches.
racist?? not sure about that. but watching the guy in last run around the track with one shoe pretty much sums in up. it is not the athtletes but the announcing and TV converage that is just horrible.
0
roomtemperature
"Well I don't know if in the US you clap and squeal at others misfortune or not, but I consider that poor form."
Me neither. But I do know that many Americans here on JT do.
0
chibaman
Just to re-state it for you since you're not listening or can't read, those comments were not made specifically in relation to racism.
Why would I have sour grapes? Do you even know what they are? You might learn about them when you enter elementary school.
0
chibaman
I see. I bet you make many of your fellow Americans cringe with embarrassment though.
0
roomtemperature
"At least baseball there is some strategy"
I'm sure there's some strategy in equestrian too.
0
Weasel
The IOC wanted to get rid of softball, due in fact that this was an American dominated and owned sport. It's good to see the monotony broken up by having the Japanese win the gold medal. Too bad that baseball and softball are going to be eliminated from the Olympics...and replaced with sports from the X-games (BMX???).
0
AlliedForces
roomtemperature; Anyone who does not support their country 100% is a pinhead!! The US team deserves huge praise from the world for its modesty and good sportsmanship.
0
roomtemperature
"Why would I have sour grapes? Do you even know what they are? You might learn about them when you enter elementary school."
My dictionary says:
an attitude in which someone disparages or affects to despise something they cannot have it themselves
Don't need elementary school for that.
0
chibaman
Ok good boy. Now, next question - why would I have sour grapes?
0
Taka313
I hadn't seen anything about that. Did she tear it up? It wasn't mentioned on ESPN.com.
Taka
0
DeepAir65
The headline says US Softball team loses Gold to Japan which to me implies thye think the Japanese girls did not deserve it. I don't care how they got there but it was a Gold Medal game that Japan WON.
Please change the headline to Japan win Gold Medal in Softball against USA.
Never could get into rounders so good to see forms of that sport out in next games - perhaps we could get 20-20 cricket in, there are more countries playing that than rounders and even my old mum is getting into that!
0
roomtemperature
DeepAir
US won the gold in previous Olympics.....now the LOSE it to Japan.
0
ambrosia
AlliedForces at 10:33 AM JST - 22nd August roomtemperature; Anyone who does not support their country 100% is a pinhead!!
Ahh...not really sure what you mean there. So should I support my country 100% when an athlete from my country has been found to have doped? Should I support my country 100% when an athlete from my country acts in a manner contrary to good sportsmanship? Should I support my country 100% when someone from another country has a more compelling story and is equally or perhaps more deserving of a victory?
0
Schoolboyerror
"Overall these Olympics have simply been another showcase of Americas might and talent. They are once again on track to haul in more than 100 medals from a variety of sports. No other nation has shown the versatility and skill the US has. Damn great show USA. From the pool to the diamond, damn good show !"
Thanks for that, boobug. Did you see the men's relay? As well as dropping the baton, they couldn't even afford to get their logos sewn on. Black marker scribbles pinned on were how team USA advertised themselves. I'm glad you didn't say from the pool to the running track.
0
AlliedForces
ambrosia;
You should support your home country indeed. You have a choice, be a patriot or a pinhead. I support US and the softball team all the way. There are always a few bad apples from every country. Way to go USA!!
0
kornholio
If they re-instate softball for the 2016 olympics the IOC needs to restructure the rules for the medal round games. It needs to be single elimination games just like soccer. 4 final teams and the winner from each bracket moves on and the losers play for bronze. The current softball medal round playoff favors the second ranked team because they can lose the semi final match and win in the bronze medal match and still come back in and go for gold. What about the 3rd ranked team if they lose? They're one and done. They also completely leave out the 4th rank team from the qualifying rounds. Its obvious this rule was made to combat US dominance in the sport but it actually didnt work until now.
0
goodDonkey
Congratulations Japan! I am an American living in America and I am very happy for you. Real sportsmanship demands that you commend Japan and not brag about America without doing so. I have grown to expect the petty comments from my embarrassing counterparts from the U.S. I am especially referring to the ones that hail the U.S. achievements (Whether it be the silver medal in this case or other Olympic achievements) and make no mention of the success of Japan. And if you are a guest in their country I believe additional indignation is worthy.
0
dano2002
yes, it seems there is more startegy in both equestrain and baseball than softball. to just have one person pitching every single game is a joke. they should move back the mound or give more of an advantage to hitters in some way. this would make the games higher scoring and prevent one pitcher from dominating. of course, dominating once in a while is great. but dominating three games in two days is a joke for the sport.
0
ExPrinceska
wow, over 60 comments in this thread. Does it mean over 60 people watch softball? ahahahah
0
Zuleyka
HUUU!wow!! YATA! finally Japan made it.... Japan softball team rocks!!!
0
Zuleyka
i was just wondering why the IOC should pull out this game.. it
s enjoyable isnt it? hahaiz.. whatever is the reason I guess it`s about time that America should realize that they cannot dominate everything and beat everyone! SEE??it was clear!0
TokyoGas
Congrats to Japan on the Gold Medal.
0
FrEcKlEfAcE
Great overall game from the Japanese players. unbelievable
0
Bovinus
I'm interested in the change of focus from number of gold medals to the total number of medals. Most countries seem to rank countries by number of gold medals, then silver, then bronze. In this way, China is the clear winner.
If you use the total number of medals it means the bronze is worth the same as a gold? That's just strange.
0
DeepAir65
beg to differ roomtemperature - they lost their title as raining Olympic champions but Japan won the Gold.
BTW do they still do hormone checks on femal athletes to check that they are indeed female? One or two at this olympics have looks more manly than some of the men - US softball team included
0
roomtemperature
"If you use the total number of medals it means the bronze is worth the same as a gold? That's just strange."
Not to Americans!
0
boobug
Looks like more foolishness here. so lets be clear about a variety of things. First, this has been an excellent showing by the US womens softball team. Gold is great, but I'll bet you a million none of these girls will be throwing their medal on the floor at the awards ceremony like that European did last week. Nope, the Americans are damn proud of any medal they win whether it be gold, silver, or bronze. We Americans learn early that "you can't win em all!" For those of you trying to suggest otherwise, give it a rest. It took Japan 3 trys to beat the Americans. The Americans simply ran out of luck and the Japanese won. I've been voicing my displeasure about these round-robin tournements from years on back. I say when you lose to a team thats it, you don't get another shot. And to have 3 ? Well, the system is flawed. Maybe they can fix it after the London Olympics, which should be interesting. I can't wait for all them skinheads, lager louts, and "good donkeys" to come out of the woodwork in fine representation of their country. Now its back to more important endeavors, like watching the USA grab that elusive 100th medal ! It's safe to say no other nation at these here Olympics have been as succesful as the US. The medal count indicates the third place team is at about half of what the US has hauled in ! How in gods name could anyone out there criticise such a marvelous achievement ? The US medaled in 18 different sports ! The European nations ? About half that ! What a great nation the US is ! As for Japan, a little disappointing. With half the population of the USA you'd think they would garner about 1/2 as many medals as the US. Not so ! And not even close. Too bad.
0
boobug
"If you use the total number of medals it means the bronze is worth the same as a gold? That's just strange."
"Not to Americans!"
Or the Japanese media for that matter. They have consistently offered more coverage of Bronze medal finishes over Gold. Just look at the story here at Japantoday about the womens soccer results. All about Japan losing the Bronze and the very last sentence mentions that, BTW, the USA beat Brazil for the gold ! Obviously finishing in the top three means something, not to roomtemperature though, who btw is an avid supporter of, which nation was it again ? LOL
0
roomtemperature
"The Americans simply ran out of luck"
Well, Westurn....Americans need luck to win? I guess so.
"Well, the system is flawed."
This is the system since day one. If America doesn't like it, they shouldn't compete. Or losers on this forum shouldn't complain.
0
soldave
"It's safe to say no other nation at these here Olympics have been as succesful as the US"
Think China who have won more gold medals would have something to say about that.
0
roomtemperature
"Or the Japanese media for that matter. They have consistently offered more coverage of Bronze medal finishes over Gold. Just look at the story here at Japantoday about the womens soccer results."
Sorry Westurn...nice try....but your irrelevant rant won't change the rankings.
0
boobug
"Think China who have won more gold medals would have something to say about that."
Yes especially after the results of the IOC's investigation into China's womens gymnastics team comes clear. China had 9 golds in gymnastics ! This should be interesting.
0
boobug
Oh and BTW, the US medal count has now stretched to a good 15 more than China. China still has some "judged" events coming up which should help them. But in real "team or individual competitions" well, they simply can't compete.
0
roomtemperature
"Oh and BTW, the US medal count has now stretched to a good 15 more than China."
So desperate. Because China is still ranked Numbero Uno!!!
0
bebert
Danno, this rule is probably put in place to speed up the game. If you'd watched the game against the Australians (the bronze round), you'd have seen Ueno get charged with a "ball" pitch several times for not pitching the ball within 20 seconds of getting the ball back from the catcher. That "stupid rule" was initiated to speed up the game, so you can assume several minutes of throwing 4 balls to get a walk would be eliminated by the IOC in order to speed up the game also. Yes, there is a rare chance of a wild throw that might create an exciting moment, but not frequent enough to warrant keeping the tradition.
0
smithinjapan
Boobug: I agree with you wholeheartedly on one point -- no one should be disparaging the US in terms of their acheivements, for they have been excellent and unsurpassed in many respects. HOWEVER, to say that the overall number of medals matters more than the colour, when it's close, is not at all true, and not when the number of golds by FAR surpasses the next country below. If, say, the US had 100 medals and 40 of them were gold, while China had 86 medals and 44 of them were gold, I would say that the US has done better over all, but not with a gold medal discrepancy that large.
As to the IOC investigation of the gymnasts, they'll find nothing. The US coaches were so utterly incensed by the young athletes, not because they Chinese were damaging the girls' growing bodies, but because they themselves could not get away with the same thing (if the girls are indeed too young). It was hilarious to read about the reactions of the US coaches, and the venom which they spat towards the Chinese, with one of the coaches even saying, "If they can do it, why can't we?" after hours of insult slinging about how terrible it was to have underage participants, etc. It was strictly laughable.
0
terebiko
Congratulations to Japan on their victory. It was well-deserved. Both teams played well, and represented their countries with pride. Really enjoyed watching. Ueno deserved a gold medal for her performance whether Japan won or not.
I am glad that the Olympics are winding down. It's funny, even though Japan is so close to China, we are still forced to watch a lot of the live events at midnight. Must really screw up the athletes' sleeping schedules.
0
smithinjapan
As to the loss against the Japan team, well, congrats to Japan. I still utterly disagree with the softball/baseball rules where a team that has lost once or more than once can still beat a team with zero losses to win the gold, but I guess if that's what Japan needs to gather up their strength and win, well, the rules won't be changing any time soon; or at least, the Japanese will utterly protest.
0
goodDonkey
This article was about the success of the Japanese team. It seemed appropriate to honor them. I grew up in America and consider it a great nation. Great nations and great individuals learn to be gracious not petty. I know boobug could not possibly have been directing their comments at me when they wrote:
since I did not criticize any country or team. I would like to add that it was very nice to see many posters, I know from the past to be Americans, showed a great deal of graciousness in their comments. There were people who expressed pride in the U.S. and were congratulatory towards the Japanese. Hey, nothing wrong with that. My comments were directed at those who never said one good thing about Japan but went on and on about the U.S. I guess some of us can see the good in others and not feel threatened. I will never understand those who feel it necessary to denigrate others to lift their status up. I think it is obvious that some people just have no decorum. I enjoy being a World citizen as well as an American citizen.
0
Altria
Legendary performance from Ueno. I found the tournament format strange as well, but this lady deserves a gold either way.
0
bebert
Boobug, you must be worldlier than that if you're on this website. I've lived on an international border in the past and had the chance to watch two nations' media coverage of the same international sporting events. Each nation favors its own athletes, no matter how remarkable or pathetic they are. They are playing to their audience. I get frustrated over this, too. Why are they (my media) showing the performance of the 9th place Nation A finisher, when I wanted to see the third place finisher from Japan? What is real bullsh*t is that in this age of the internet, we don't have the option of paying to download the entire event, for example - video of all of the pole vaulters who competed, instead of just the TV footage of #1, #2 and the guy from our home nation.
Regardless, the home country's media always fawns over its own, not just in Japan. I hope Ueno and the rest of the team get plenty of media attention, accolades and rewards from Japan for their hard earned and historic win. They won it.
0
RomeoRamenII
It should come to no surprise to anyone that America is first in the total Olympic medal count. The world expects us to lead all the other nations. And once again we do not disappoint.
RR
0
chibaman
Now that the US is not ranked first on official medal tallies we are seeing all kinds of self-delusional claptrap. Whatever makes you happy.
0
taiko666
Last night's softball match was much more exciting than any of the televised baseball matches I endured during these Olympics. Watching baseball is simply a chore unless you're at a stadium with friends being served beer by top totty in tiny dresses.
And I don't understand why, in both sports, the fielders are allowed to wear such enormous comedy gloves. How is it possible to miss a catch when you're wielding a scoop that wouldn't look out of place on a JCB excavator? It can't be anything to do with the hardness of the ball, because even though cricket balls are just as hard, cricketers don't rely on such absurd contraptions- they just use their hands.
0
chibaman
taiko666 is right in every respect, and wins for his gold medal post.
0
yosun
The problem of 'some' American is that they think they are always better than others. Anyway, it's true for something:
no 1 SILVER medal count of Olympic 2008. no 1 BRONZE medal count of Olympic 2008. no 1 natural resource (oil.....) consumption. no 1 CO2 release. no 1 nuke/MDW weapons owned no 1 .........
0
RomeoRamenII
Now that the US is not ranked first on official medal tallies ....
As of this posting, USA = 99; China = 83
However, all's not lost. The other nations still have a chance to shine in the Special Olympics.
RR
0
RomeoRamenII
Don't know what country you're from, chibaman, but rest assured your nation is behind Amrtica in the total medal count.
USA!! USA!! USA!!
RR
0
chibaman
RR does the medal count make you feel like something more than a complete failure in your own life?
Japan just got spanked handsomely in the bottom of the 8th by the Koreans, score 6-2. Tough man Hoshino to break millions of hearts and leave dreams unfulfilled.
0
seimei
Is this really about which country is better? "My country's better than your country cause my country beat your country, but total medals.. blah blah"
Perhaps we can simply congratulate Japan on an Olympic victory. They were the best on the day. Well done Japan.
0
chibaman
Well the Japanese girls won. The boys just lost.
Are they tears you're fighting back, tough man Hoshino? And how about bowing when bowed to and showing even the slightest bit of respect for your victors. You just lost Hoshino, but yet you're still better aren't ya. You make me sick.
0
namabiru4me
I think a metal "count" is warped. I used to remember when they weighted metals to show how dominate the US was... Gold = 3 Silver = 2 Bronze = 1
Using that I get the following: USA 194 China 190 Russia 100 Britain 86 Australia 75 France 55 Germany 61 S Korea 56 Japan 48 Italy 43 Ukraine 34 Netherlands 32 Canada 28
0
namabiru4me
sorry for the funky format :-)
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lynny
I think Japan thoroughly deserved the gold medal. The US only had one game of 9 innings the previous day, so were well rested for the final. Japan had one game of 9 innings, plus another game of 12 innings the previous day. It says a lot for the stamina of the japanese players. And if anybody deserved to win a gold medal, it was Ueno. Japan doesn't have the luxury of three world class pitchers, so they had no choice but use Ueno. I think only a japanese pitcher could have done that. Fantastic performance from Ueno, ably supported by some great fielding and batting by her teammates.
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Taka313
Who cares about the medal count? If you have to fall back on "my country is kicking your country's butt" or "your country cheated" or "your country whined after not winning" to make yourself feel good, you are a certifiable loser. And if you take the "we" beat "you" position, you are an even bigger loser, lest you are an Olympic athlete, posting from Beijing. There is no "we." There is "they," the Olympic athletes. We (as in all of us here) have no business riding their coattails. There is absolutely nothing wrong with watching the games and cheering your country. But assigning greatness based on who wins the most medals when things like trampoling and shooting a BB gun are considered the bar by which that greatness is measured is just plain wrong.
The Japanese team winning the gold medal in softball does not make Japan a better country than the U.S.. The U.S. winning more medals than other countries does not make the U.S. a better country. Seriously posting about that kind of nonsense however, does, at least in my opinion, make you a loser. This is downright embarrassing. I've read posts on this thread that do more harm to their country's reputation than their athletes do good. Japan beat the U.S. in softball, fair and square. They had a hell of a team and an absolutely phenom for a pitcher. They deserved the win and the American ladies have absolutely nothing to be ashamed of, in taking home the silver. I, for one, am proud of them.
Taka
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goodDonkey
Taka313 I enjoyed your posts.
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Blue_Tiger
Why od soem people seem to think that the USA reluctantly took unwated silver medals, and that the US Team felt like they were unstoppable? Listening to their oplayers and reading what their coach said, the US Team made it quite clear that such was not their attitude, and though they would havel iked Gold, I'm sure Silver isn't something they'll throw away, like the Swiss Wrestler did. The US Team just got outplayed in their match agaisnt Japan, and, again, as any athlete will tell you, yes, it is hard to beat a team three straight times in the same tournament, be it round-robin, or medal round....
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OhioDonna
Congratulations! Well done!
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OhioDonna
I thought it was called the Olympic GAMES not the Olympic WAR!
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otis123
Yosun,
I could be wrong, but I think Russia has the most nuclear warheads.
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Schoolboyerror
I looked at the IOC site to see if boobug's claims that they go by total number of medals was correct. Certainly up to the Turin Olympics they ranked golds first, then silvers, then bronzes, which would obviously have China way out in front at this olympics. I couldn't find a table for this year yet.
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TheCode
Congratulations to Japan! It was a great game. They played their hearts out and won. I could see that the U.S. women were a bit too confident and thought they could win again. It was nice to see that at least one American (Bustos) was enjoying receiving the silver medal. However, it was appalling to see players like Jennie Finch and Cat Osterman practically bawling at "losing the gold medal". I could even see a sneer come across the face of the woman on the right side of the Japanese player on the far left of the podium as the Japanese women were handed their gold medals. Oh well, that's the way the cookie crumbles.
As for everyone who is questioning the "Page system" of the medal round playoff format, it was a rule that was instituted awhile back, just like the tie-breaker rule and the intentional walk rule. They were all agreed on by all nations, so that it shouldn't be a problem. Yes, the U.S. had to beat Japan twice (not three times, since games in the preliminary round only count for placing in the medal round, and Japan could have been in the same position. In fact, I thought it was very strategic of Japan to not play Ueno in the preliminary game and save her for the medal round games.) in order to win. For more information about the "page system format", see this link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pageplayoffsystem
People have mixed reactions to this system, as they do with the single-elimination system, but it seems that the popularity of this is increasing. Frankly, because of this system, Japan had to play an extra game in the medal round and the U.S. got to enjoy an extra day of rest (which they should have spent better preparing for this game).
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TheCode
Overall, this win by Japan may be what softball needs to get back into the Olympics. Parity and competition should help bring it back eventually. This year, it helped that the Olympics was held in China, which had the facilities in place and a growing interest in the sport of baseball and softball; not to mention their own national teams.
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ReikiZen
I have to tip my hat to Japan. They played a great game and the US really has nothing to be ashamed of. If anything this has showed is how far the Japanese have come with their program over the last few years. They showed amazing stamina and played a very tight game. I don't remember seeing any real major errors and their pitcher was almost god like. 400+ from the plate and still was packing heat. The US on the other hand did make a few costly errors which you can't do with a team like Japan which they will exploit when given the opportunely. I know Team Japan has a great deal of respect for the US.
I have a Japanese friend that attended one of their training camps. She said that they had nothing but good things to say about team USA. They had all their videos and even a large framed Team USA Softball poster on the wall. There is no doubt in my mind that these girls have just as much love and dedication for the sport as we do. Therefore I felt it a bit shallow how we acted at the end of the game but I can understand it I guess. When you are expected to do something it doesn't make it any easier. The bad news of coarse is that this may be the last time we ever see softball in the Olympic Games for the foreseeable future. On the other hand though this may have been the best thing that could have happened for the sport.
Softball has seen a steady decline over the last few Olympics. This has in part contributed to to IOC decision in that it just isn't competitive enough on a international scale to warrant having it in the games. As well as to the fact that the US has been so dominant and the mercy rule having to be put into effect so often which no doubt is embarrassing for the opposing teams. There just isn't enough incentive and I ad-mange it is difficult for teams to get backing and support and are largely on their own unlike the US. Therefore I am hopeful that there may be some good to come out of this. Japan no doubt will get a major shot in the arm for their program and is at least a start.
I think Team USA needs to be better ambassadors for the sport doing exhibitions games, workshops and the like. Doing something similar to what USA Women's Soccer has done which I never though would see them get to where they are now. Creating something similar to FIFA but for softball. Yea, I know this is all impossible stuff but if Softball is ever going to see an Olympic Stage again. There are going to need to be changes put into place to get it back there. With the right people it can happen. Since Baseball is being axed as well there likely should be enough support among the MLB and other organizations which would be in their best both their interests. In closing I congratulate Team Japan on their amazing win and together we will get softball back in the Olympics. Giving young girls something to dream about again!!!!
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bebert
I've read that there is a lot of effort going into trying to popularize the sport internationally, including funding to start programs in places you wouldn't expect like some nations in the Middle East.
I wonder how much Title 9 has to due with the American women's dominance of the sport. Title 9, basically requires American college athletics to split funding equally between male and female sports. I would imagine the big winners of this legislation have been women's basketball and softball. They probably see much more money than fencing or field hockey. So that begs the question: are the college softball teams in Japan, Australia, Taiwan,etc. funded as well as the Americans? If it is a funding problem, then you can probably expect the Chinese to be the most improved team in 2016, if the sport returns to the games.
Hopefully Ueno's performance will draw more girls into the sport the way Arikawa, Miki and Asada have drawn more girls into figure skating. That way, in 2016, Japan will have more than one ace pitcher and won't have to play the same one for three games in 35 hours.
I imagine Team Japan is having one hell of a good time right now.
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NICOLE77
Loved the softball game! Both teams put in an amazing game - And the Aussies in the game the day before ;)
One point about the medal tables; Today I noticed that the top of the medal tables in the Aussie press is China - as it has the most GOLD medals. But American press has America on the top as it has the most OVERALL medals... So I guess it depends which table you are looking at as to which team is at the top...
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imgold
I tend to agree with those posters that question the round robin "page format" used at the Olympics. I am a firm believer that sports mirrors life in general. Getting second chances is one thing, but three ? Japan seems fortunate to have won this. I'll leave it at that.
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bebert
Actually, it was twice. And let's try to shed too many tears for a team that had won 22 games straight in the Olympics before Japan but them down.
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imgold
Bebert please,
The US beat Japan 7-0 on August 15th. They played again in the semifinals August 20th with the USA winning again 4-1. It wasn't until the USA played Japan for the third time did they eventually lose.
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Kekahuna
It is a great time for sports in Japan.. What a great thing that the women of Japan have come so far in the sport of softball to beat the USA team.. they should be congratulated and given respect for the rest of their lives.. many this might well be a high point in what will be a long a fruitful life. Women have come a long way in sports in Japan.. with Womens soccer team performing quite well at the Olympics. As for youth.. the Japan little league boys represented Nippon well in that classic competition.. (Hawaii little leaguers win it all).. Maybe we can have the sports teams from Japan come to Hawaii as a mid point to play US teams in friendly competition in the near future. Aloha to all our beautiful friends in Japan.. Bravo.
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freakashow
ingold,
What's your point? Team USA lost, and Japan won; end of story. That's life. It don't matter how many times you play someone, you gotta win out. In fact, the first game (AUG 15th) that you mentioned was not a playoff round game and so doesn't count. The outcome could have been flipflopped and Japan could have won that game 7-0 instead, and they would have still had to meet USA in the playoff round twice in order to win the gold medal. I mean, hey, the Japanese team could've whined too if they wanted to, that they had to play an extra playoff round game, while USA had an extra day off.
In my view, whining about NBC screwing the c*** of mine and many Americans' Olympic viewing across the West Coast, is something to whine about. Which by the way, this softball final I did see, but certainly NOT LIVE.
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freakashow
imgold,
Why is it so difficult to win against a team three times? I see it all the time in sports. Heck, baseball teams do it and thus they call it a "sweep", hence the use of brooms to signify it. In fact, baseball teams play the same team three or four days in a row, without a break. I've even seen several doubleheaders where they beat the same team on the same day. It even happens in basketball, hockey, and American football. Teams "sweep" each other often enough that some go without winning against a particular team for years.
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martyman
Regardless of what country wins which medal, teamwork, good sportsmanship, and determination brings out the best. In this case, Japan in softball. Go Japan! Lets hope the IOC does vote softball back in 2016 so Japan can take the gold again.
Japan had 9 gold, US 36 and China 51. But who's keeping count?
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