Monday May 28, 2012

JAPAN NEWS AND DISCUSSION

SOCCER

Nadeshiko Japan earns Olympic soccer berth

Sports Sep. 09, 2011 - 06:05AM JST ( 9 )

The requested article has expired, and is no longer available. Any related articles, and user comments are shown below.

Order by Time Order by Popularity

9 Comments

0

WolfpackSep. 09, 2011 - 08:11AM JST

Well deserved - good luck next year Japan!
0

smithinjapanSep. 09, 2011 - 09:11AM JST

While I much prefer to watch men's soccer, in a way women's soccer is more interesting because the teams are much more evenly matched. Good on the women for making it, and I look forward to watching the Olympics.
0

browny1Sep. 09, 2011 - 10:11AM JST

Been a fan of Nadeshiko for at least 8 years and great to see their recent successes.

But the mainstream media (not necesssarily the sports media) "playing safe" reporting of the team is a mystery.

For example this week before the Australia game there was a focus on the "tall" Oz side esp one player who stood at the formidable height of 173cm - WOW! No mention that Japan as the world champions saw off the truly tall American, European teams earlier this year. Or a report on how the teams hotel door bell was being rung the night before so the players were tired.

The media loves to bathe itself in the teams glory but hasn't got the stamina to call it as it is. Even this morning some in the media referring to the own goal as "their" goal because it "glanced" the defenders or it put pressure on the defenders or whatever.

Just say it as it was - a great kick weakly blocked by the goalie, then unbelievably deflected / knocked in by the NK defender.

Sadly much of the johnny-come-lately media still doesn't understand "sport".
0

BurakuminDesSep. 09, 2011 - 12:14PM JST

Well done to the Japanese ladies. You wouldn't have thought they had qualified - there were scenes of absolute desolation among the fans and some of the players! They showed one of the girls grandmothers on TV after the game beside herself - I almost thought seppuku was coming up! I think the Aus-China game was on before-hand?

Good luck to the mighty Matildas - I reckon we will do it and book those tickets to London! Gotta beat South Korea first though and hope North Korea don't beat China...
0

shanabelleSep. 09, 2011 - 12:50PM JST

Congratulations to Nadeshiko Japan, they looked a bit flat footed against the gutsy North Koreans yesterday, but all the women's teams are under a fairly brutal match schedule for these olympic qualifiers.... the men have it easy don't they! I hope they bring the gold home from London next year!
-1

soldaveSep. 09, 2011 - 04:46PM JST

BurakuminDes - Disappointment at the draw or to losing to DPRK? The Korean ladies put up some pretty stern resistance to be honest. What they lack in skill they do make up for in determination.

/awaits "well they are playing for their food" comment.
0

zabutonsenbeiSep. 09, 2011 - 05:14PM JST

Very glad that Nadeshiko is through to the London Olympics, but not being able to score in the game against North Korea is not good. After the own goal by NK, Japan seemed to stop and try to play possession, which was a big mistake. The NK players were very determined. I think the reason that the players and fans looked down, was because of the way the game went. No goals by Nadeshiko, mistakes leading to the NK goal. They also looked down because they had to wait for Australia to win, before they were assured of their spot in the Olympics. Kudos to the team, and play your hearts out against China on Sunday!
0

lostrune2Sep. 09, 2011 - 06:11PM JST

North Korea plays Thailand. 2nd place is as good as theirs (NK).
0

BurakuminDesSep. 09, 2011 - 08:53PM JST

BurakuminDes - Disappointment at the draw or to losing to DPRK?

@ Soldave - Yeah - they did all seem disappointed which was strange. Looked like a few of the Japanese girls were crying - perhaps they had not had the news of their qualification relayed to them? Or maybe as you say, drawing with the North Koreans was pretty shattering? In any case, they have booked their plane tickets to London where they would have to be strong favourites. As an aside, I find it hilarious that there will be no Great Britain team! What a let down for their fans.