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U.S. Women’s National Team Matches in Japan on ESPN2 Sunday and Tuesday
The matches are part of the inaugural Women’s Kirin Challenge Cup, which features three of the top four teams on FIFA Women’s World Rankings. Both contests are rematch of elimination round games that ended in penalty shootouts during the FIFA Women’s World Cup Germany 2011.
Japan Women’s National Team won the Women’s World Cup via shootout after a thrilling 2-2 tie in the title match vs. the U.S. Women, the most-watched soccer event on cable television. In the quarterfinal stage, the U.S. won in a shootout over Brazil following a 2-2 tie.
ESPN’s presentation of the USA–Brazil World Cup match earned a nomination for the 2012 Sports Emmy Awards. The three teams will face each other in a round-robin pre-Olympic series at the Women’s Kirin Challenge Cup.
USA-Japan final breaks women’s game boundaries with ESPN & CBC audience record
Almost 13.5 million people (around 7 million more viewers than for record-holding match USA-Algeria in men’s football) are believed to have followed Sunday’s Japan vs USA final on ESPN. This puts the 2011 Women’s World Cup final fixture 6th on the list among the most viewed soccer matches ever in the United States of America.In Canada, meanwhile, the USA-Japan final attracted a record 1.051 million viewers on CBC in terms of average audience. However, 3.219 million unique viewers in Canada reportedly caught a glimpse of the 120 minute encounter.
Among this large group of followers, 847,000 stayed tuned for CBC’s post-match analysis.
Japan vs USA Preview
So everyone is pointing their fingers at Pia Sundhage’s United States team to finish the business they’ve started—to conquer Japan in Germany and rule the world of Women’s Football for the third time in history. Analytically, it could be hard to imagine the Americans losing on Sunday. They’ve proved that they have strength in depth thanks to the influence of veterans like Christie Rampone, Shannon Boxx and Abby Wambach. The trio’s addition to the likes of the energetic Megan Rampone, matured blood like top goalie Hope Solo and young gem Alex Morgan makes the USA what they are.
FIFA Women's World Cup Final TV Schedules for USA vs Japan
FIFA Women's World Cup Final will take place on Sunday at 2:45PM EST LIVE from Germany.The USA have reached the final in spectacular fashion after overcoming Brazil and France in the Quarter-Finals and Semi-Finals respectively with determined and exciting dramatic performances. Japan equally deserves their booking in the World Cup Final with great tactical and technical performances in their World Cup matches. It is sure to be an thrilling final as the two best Women's football nations clash this Sunday.
Japan vs USA Women’s World Cup final: Possible tactics and lineup for USA
Pia Sundhage may maintain the likes of Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe out of USA’s starting XI. The two players were used substitutes in the Americans’ previous 2 knock-out matches at the 2011 Women’s World Cup. Their effect from the bench has been important at the detriment of oppositions. Remember Alex Morgan got her name on the scoring sheet as a 56th minute substitute against France and that her goal was set up by fellow-sub Rapinoe. Meanwhile, Lauren Cheney and Abby Wambach are expected to pair upfront in the USA’s starting XI. Heather O’Reilly might also keep her place as a starter after playing 87 minutes against the French.
The 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup hits ratings records on ESPN & co
For the first time in Germany, a Women’s World Cup match attracted as much as 16.95 million viewers with 59.3% of them following it on public-service channel ZDF. This record got created through the Germany-Japan quarter-final match that saw the host nation stunned by the Asians on a 1-0 score line after extra-time.However, the development of Women’s Football still has some way to go on ESPN. The Brazil vs USA quarter-final fixture got a 2.6 overnight rating—the highest score for a women’s match since 1999 when USA and Brazil locked horned in a World Cup semi-final. That match had drawn a 3.2 rating.
2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup: Meet Group B’s Japan, New Zealand, Mexico & England
Group B: Japan, New Zealand, Mexico, England
Japan will be thankful to be in such a group. Norio Sasaki’s team has a miserable background in the short history of the FIFA Women’s World Cup. However, New Zealand, Mexico or England are no Germany or Brazil.
England have bad memories of the 2007 Women’s World Cup quarter-finals to erase. Meanwhile, Mexico will be hoping to avoid a repeat of the 1-15 overall score line they achieved in their only World Cup finals (1999 edition) till now.
That said, the Japanese could fancy their chances this time.
Japanese Stars In Buoyant Mood After Charity Match For Disaster Victims
The Japanese team was superior on the occasion as they won the game 2-1 as the charity match proved to be a huge success in the disaster-hit country. Alberto Zaccheroni selected a very strong Japan side which included the likes of Keisuke Honda of CSKA Moscow and Inter Milan fullback Yuto Nagatomo. Gamba Osaka playmaker Yasuhito Endo stroked first blood for the Japan team by scoring a free-kick in the 16th minute.
Shinji Okazaki then doubled Japan's lead after some good work from Honda. Nonetheless, Stuttgart's Shinji Okazaki, dedicated his goal to all the victims that suffered during the tragedy that hit the country earlier this month.
UEFA Invokes Silence To Honour The Voices Of Japan’s Disaster Victims
The Asian country was hit by an unprecedented natural disaster last Friday, leaving the population in total chaos. Over 10,000 people are believed to have lost their lives whereas the situation is yet to be stable. As the world is gathering in unity to help the people of Japan, UEFA has decided to observe a minute silence. This will apply for men and women’s football.
“The entire European football family will stand united on the pitch this week before our matches,” Michel Platini declared in a statement.
Japanese Sensation Nagatomo Credits Javier Zanetti After Netting First Goal For Inter
The Japanese fullback signed for Inter last January in a loan deal that also saw David Santon move the other way to Cesena. Nagatomo hasn't impressed enough since his move but yesterday’s performance that saw him score his first goal for Inter would have definitely been encouraging for Leonardo.While he did admit that life at Milan was hard at first, he has adapted and believes that Zanetti helped him massively in adjusting life at Milan.
He said: "When I arrived at Inter, communication was a little difficult but now everything is almost perfect and I am taking a lot of satisfaction from playing here. Zanetti is my point of reference, my model to follow, the person who takes care of me, gives me advice and tells me the way."
Japan vs Argentina Report
"I'm really happy, this game was very important for us. I told my players before the match that if they believed in themselves, they could make it. And they proved I wasn't wrong" stated Zaccheroni. Shinji Okazaki score the winning goal early on th 18th minute of the game. Makoto Hasebe shot against Sergio Romero's goal, and the Argentinean goalkeeper left the ball bouncing inside the box. Okazaki caught it and send it straight into the net, giving the hosts a decisive advantage.
Argentina was close from finding the equalizer with Lionel Messi, but Barcelona's star felt isolated in the offense: Andres D'Alessandro could not communicate properly with the rest of the team. Gonzalo Higuain replaced Diego Milito when the first half was almost over, but nothing changed.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Ibrahimovic, Villa and Messi Up For Euro 2012 And Friendly Challenge
Portugal vs Denmark – Cristiano Ronaldo only has ONE option
After drawing 4-4 at home to Cyprus and losing 1-0 away to Norway, Portugal’s chances of entering the finals of the UEFA Euro 2012 are visibly slim. In addition to their problems, Carlos Queiroz’s replacement could be the source of instability issues among the squad; but although worries are piling up in the background, hope is not gone. Fortunately, Portugal still have one man who could lead them through the dark in their qualification for the European Championship, and that man is none other than Captain Cristiano Ronaldo.
Surely, for neutral football fans and Portugal followers, it is always exciting to see the world’s most famous active soccer superstar. However, in the situation where the Selecção presently are, big names with major club attainments are just priceless add-ons to a wounded army.
Japan’s Zaccheroni Criticizes Poor Mindset Ahead Of Argentina Friendly
The manager will at last experience his first match in charge of the Samurai Blue. Zac had to miss Japan’s games against Paraguay and Guatemala, which both ended in victory for the Asian side; that was due to visa problems. Finally, Coach Alberto Zaccheroni will have to lead Japan against 2010 World Cup quarter-finalists Argentina on Friday. Although 25 places separate Argentina from thirtieth-placed Japan in the Coca Cola Fifa Rankings, Zac believes that his men have no right to fear the Albiceleste. After announcing his squad, the Italian told the media:
“We shouldn’t be afraid of Argentina. It’s wrong to go out there with an all-defensive frame of mind. My goal is to build a team skilled both on the offensive and defensively.”
Japan vs Argentina Preview
Diego Maradona's departure gave Sergio "Checho" Batista an opportunity to take command of Argentina's cruise. Batista made radical modifications to Maradona's aggressive scheme, strengthening Albiceleste's defense and ball control with players like Ever Banega, Esteban Cambiasso, Fernando Gago and Javier Zanetti."I dream of staying at the helm, that is what I am working towards. The players' support is very important for the final decision" stated Argentina's former U-20 coach. Zanetti, Gago and Sergio Aguero are ruled out with injuries, forcing him to adopt a new strategy for this game. Andres D'Alessandro (who has just won the Copa Libertadores with Internacional) is back on the list and it's likely he'll become Messi's partner to break through Japan's defense.
Alberto Zaccheroni's Samurais will have to deal with a rival far above their level. The Italian coach focuses on the team play of his squad “It is wrong to go out there with an all-defensive frame of mind. I aim to build a team skilled in both offensive and defensive. I want to improve their technical aspects and have them play better than ever." he stated.
World Cup Round Up for June 29, by Brian Moore
The Luddites will re-examine their position
In the wake of the controversial refereeing decisions over the weekend FIFA boss Sepp Blatter has now promised to re-open the discussion on the use of goal line technology. FIFA had previously closed the case on the discussion.
The issue gained renewed scrutiny on Sunday in the England-Germany game when a Frank Lampard shot hit the German cross bar and landed inside the goal before bouncing out into the arms of German ‘keeper Neuer. No goal was given.
Had the goal stood England would have pulled even with the Germans at 2-2. Would it have changed the outcome of the match? Probably not, since the English stunk and the Germans were good. But who knows? A 2-2 scoreline would at least have shifted the thinking of the managers with regard to strategy.
Paraguay 0 (5) - 0 (3) Japan - Report
Paraguay and Japan played probably the less exciting game in the round of 16, for them both were more focused on keeping their goal shut than breaking their rival's defense. After more than 2 hours of football the Guaranies are now preparing to face Spain in quarter finals, will they make it to the semis?First half: The posts deny the goal
2010 FIFA World Cup: Paraguay-Japan – First Penalty Shoot Out In World Cup
The match started on a good note, and ended excitingly, as both sides were rapid and serious. The desire to remain in the World Cup could be seen on the faces of the players, and obviously, in their amazing display. Unlike in the games involving Germany, England, Argentina and Mexico on Sunday, Referee Bleckeree was not the center of attraction, as he made satisfying decisions, and decent calls.
Unfortunately the game could not be decided in 90 minutes, and just as the rules of FIFA for the World Cup tournament’s knockout phase specify it, the game was set to go to extra time. As a result, an extra 30 minutes divided in two 15-minute halves were added, but not even the extension of playing time was enough to decide the encounter between Paraguay and Japan.
After what should have been the referee’s final whistle, the penalty shoot out took place; and Barreto successfully converted from the spot in first place for Paraguay. Japan’s Endo followed him to equalize for the Blue Samurais, before his opponent Lucas put the South Americans back in front.
Paraguay vs Japan - FIFA World Cup 2010 Match Preview
From Italy's ashes raised Tata Martino's squad, a team that relies heavily in the physical strengths of their players but that have also shown the importance of a solid strategy. Lucas Barrios will be playing its seventh match with the Albirroja; In the first three ones he managed to score and give Paraguay the three points, but in the tree matches played on African ground luck has been rather adverse for Borussia Dortmund's top scorer. Japan has become a stronger team in the last years, still owners of an unchallenged speed and technique, but now closer to European football, with fierce midfielders and powerful wingers. CSKA Moscow's midfielder Keisuke Honda is the offensive lighthouse of the strongest Asian team in this World Cup, will he be able to break Paraguay's sturdy defense?
There's a first time for everything
Loftus Versfeld will host one of the toughest matches in this round, for these two teams have both similar characteristics, having both received a huge morale boost thanks to a solid qualification in their groups. Paraguay has never advanced further than the Round of 16 in a World Championship, but as Chile and Uruguay, this year everything seems to be working as it should for South American squads. Gerardo Martino has found in Enrique Vera the playmaker his team was lacking, and the offensive trident Barrios-Haedo-Santa Cruz pose a threat to whatever rival the Guaranies have to face.
2010 World Cup: Denmark 1-3 Japan – Report
Denmark vs Japan, First Half: Powerful Samurai Blue Free-kicks Explode The Danish Dynamite
Nicklas Bendtner was once accused of putting fancy colored boots despite not ranking among the world’s best players like Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi. Tonight he put more fuel to his critics by coloring his white socks with a red pen inside the 2nd minute of the match only to attract people’s attention.
To be fair, the game was more entertaining than one could have imagined considering the pedigree of the two teams that were playing on the pitch. The level of performances displayed described the intensity of each contender to avoid the demoralizing fate of exiting from the group stages of the 2010 World Cup.
Where to watch Japan vs Denmark Live - World Cup 2010 - June 24, 2010
GROUP E matches will be played at 2:30 PM EST / 8:30 PM Local time. The Netherlands top the table with 6 points after beating both Cameroon and Denmark with comfortable performances. Holland will most likley still top this group even with a loss today to the Africans. The game will be a tension filled affair as both teams can not afford to lose. Denmark approach this match with a more aggressive approach as a draw will only favor Japan due to a better goal differential.
Visit the World Cup Groups, Tables & Standings pages to see the point breakdown for Group F.
If you are in the USA you can watch the Japan vs Denmark Live match on the following world cup tv channels:
ESPN (HD), Telefutura, ESPN3.com USA, Univision (HD), ESPN Radio, Univision Futbol (HD), Futbol de Primera Radio
For Portuguese language broadcasting tune into ESPN Deportes which will have the broadcast in HD.
For Spanish language broadcasting tune into Univision with an HD signal as well. If you subscribe to a qualified ISP you can watch the World Cup Live on ESPN3 in the USA. You can tune into different online broadcasts from English, Portuguese, German or Arabic. You can listen to the World Cup Live on ESPN Radio or tune into Futbol de Primera Radio for a Spanish radio broadcast, ESPN USA will also transmit the match live and in HD. Or if your stuck in the office tune into Univision website for the Japan vs Denmark live match online.