Tag Archives: Japan

Episode 071: The dirty rotten stinkin’ Americans totally deserved to win the Women’s World Cup

Russell and Jason discuss the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, warts and all. The States didn’t show up until it mattered, when they put beatdowns upon the Germans and Japanese. Do we have to like Wambach, Solo and Leroux? No. Do we have to live with the fact that they’re the class of the joint when it comes to women’s soccer? Sigh.

The United States won their third Women's World Cup title with a 5-2 thrashing of the defending champion Japanese at the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup. Photo by Jason Kurylo for Pucked in the Head.
The United States won their third Women’s World Cup title with a 5-2 thrashing of the defending champion Japanese at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Photo by Jason Kurylo for Pucked in the Head.

 

US women capture third World Cup title

Love ’em or hate ’em, you can’t deny the fact that the American women have dominated women’s soccer for more than 20 years. Their last meaningful loss came at the 2011 Women’s World Cup in Germany, when Japan shocked them with late tying goals in both regulation and extra time, then ultimately won on penalties.

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The 2015 team started this tournament in lacklustre fashion, but turned it on in the semis and final game. They struck four times in the first 16 minutes in Vancouver, embarrassing the Japanese defense with intense play and raw will in the box. The fourth goal, which capped a hat trick for midfielder Carli Lloyd, was a cheeky chip shot from centre field, as keeper Ayumi Kaihori was caught well off her line shouting directions at her team when they turned over the ball.

It was an odd performance by the Japanese, who looked uncharacteristically rattled by the raucous US-dominated crowd.

More later, notably when Russell and I chat the Women’s World Cup this upcoming Wednesday on the radio show. Check out CIVL Radio, or the podcast later in the week for that riveting discussion!

The Women’s World Cup is underway

Defender Ingrid Rodriguez has some choice words for the refereeing during Ecuador's 6-nil loss to Cameroon. Photo by Jason Kurylo for Pucked in the Head.
Defender Ingrid Rodriguez has some choice words for the refereeing during Ecuador’s 6-nil loss to Cameroon. Photo by Jason Kurylo for Pucked in the Head.

On the eve of Vancouver’s second double header of the tournament, we revisit the first. Cameroon spanked Ecuador 6-nil despite the teams sitting just five spots apart in the FIFA world rankings. I suppose that’s what you get when an African country plays far fewer meaningful international friendlies in the months leading up to the Women’s World Cup — Cameroon is far better than its 53rd place ranking would suggest. Check 33rd ranked Nigeria shocking the fifth ranked Swedes with a hard fought 3-3 draw in their first game.

The clear choice for Woman of the Match was Gaelle Enganamouit, who galloped into the box with abandon, scoring from the run of play and the penalty spot with equal ease. She put the ball into the back of the net three times, in fact, in 90 minutes equalling the entire offensive output of Group A’s four teams over the course of four games.

Gaelle Enganamouit of Cameroon was the class of opening day, scoring thrice to lead her team to a 6-nil victory. Photo by Jason Kurylo for Pucked in the Head.
Gaelle Enganamouit of Cameroon was the class of opening day, scoring thrice to lead her team to a 6-nil victory. Photo by Jason Kurylo for Pucked in the Head.

In the second match of the day, Switzerland did everything but score on the defending champion Japanese. Most impressive were their lauded stars, numbers 10 and 11, Ramona Bachmann and Lara Dickenmann. Bachmann made one run in particular that left four Japanese defenders and their behemoth goaltender flailing on the turf — more than one observer compared the play to something Lionel Messi might put together. If she hadn’t slipped on the end line, she would no doubt have danced the ball into the net for the goal of the tournament.

Romana Bachmann did her best to give Switzerland the glory, but Japan won 1-nil in their first group match at the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup. Photo by Jason Kurylo for Pucked in the Head.
Romana Bachmann did her best to give Switzerland the glory, but Japan won 1-nil in their first group match at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Photo by Jason Kurylo for Pucked in the Head.

While Canada has struggled to score in Group A, they’ve also managed consecutive clean sheets against China and New Zealand to remain atop their group standings. Thankfully, the Germans, Cameroonians, Norwegians and Nigerians, to name a few squads, have put some impressive highlight reels together.

Brazil, despite only having two goals to their credit, now have on their roster the Women’s World Cup all-time leading goal scorer in Marta. She scored her 15th FIFA WWC tally in their 2-nil win over Korea Republic, to give her sole possession of the title over German superstar Birgit Prinz. Abby Wambach of the United States is two behind with 13, while Canadian Christine Sinclair scored her eighth World Cup goal in Monday’s tournament opener.

Why can't we be friends? These fans enjoyed the opening game despite having rather different affiliations. Japan beat the Swiss 1-nil in their first group match at the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup. Photo by Jason Kurylo for Pucked in the Head.
Why can’t we be friends? These fans enjoyed the opening game despite having rather different affiliations. Japan beat the Swiss 1-nil in their first group match at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Photo by Jason Kurylo for Pucked in the Head.