Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Vancouver: Coach Norio Sasaki believes Japan's courageous exploits at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015 final will pave the way for further growth of the women’s game back home.
A Carli Lloyd hat-trick, which included a sensational strike from the halfway line, helped the USA beat holders Japan 5-2 on Sunday (local time) as a jubilant American side claimed their third FIFA Women’s World Cup title.
Five of the seven goals came during a breathtaking first half, with Lloyd’s virtuoso performance coupled with strikes from Lauren Holiday and Tobin Heath ensuring Yuki Ogimi’s 27th minute effort and a Julie Johnston own goal would be nothing more than consolation for Asia’s reigning champions who, at times, were simply blown away by a whirlwind USA display.
“We’re proud of our performances,” Sasaki said. “Four years ago, we won in Germany and in doing so we really gave the development of women’s football in Japan a big boost. This time around, we reached the final, and I hope that this will lead to a new period of growth for the game.”
Sasaki admitted that the Americans were too strong for Japan, adding that the Japanese game can learn much from their American arch rivals, who they beat on penalties in Germany to win the 2011 World Cup.
“My players have given their all in every match, and overall they’ve had a great tournament here in Canada,” he explained.
“Today, though, the Americans were simply too strong. In the first few minutes, it seemed as if every shot ended up in the back of the net. But we never gave up fighting for our supporters in the stadium and back home in Japan.
“I would like to congratulate the Americans and thank the Canadians, who organised a superb tournament. USA are on top right now, and it’s up to us to emulate them. Women’s football in Japan is far from finished.”
Photo: FIFA / Getty Images