It has been a week of anticipation for Sunday’s soccer game. The Women’s World Cup finals between Japan, USA and Canada were thrilling right to the end. Women’s sports are not usually covered much, but this event is a welcomed exception. Fans took sides and rooted for their favorite.
Why did this event become so popular, when women’s events are rarely covered in the news? A combination of factors created a “perfect storm.” Japan rallied behind their team and shared a common purpose. Japan’s tragedy caused many neutral soccer fans to cheer on their team.
Japan had a lot of heart in the game. Being able to reach the finals was more that just good sportsmanship. It was a sign of hope for the country after a year’s worth of destruction and devastation. The country’s participation in the finals helped put the aftermath of the tsunami and earthquake as well as nuclear fallout behind them.
Americans also had a goal. The team has worked hard in order to reach this point. In the U.S. soccer is gaining popularity. It may not get the attention and numbers of the NBA or NFL but soccer is building a strong fan base. Given its popularity, it’s about time the US joined the club.
Since 1999, when US Women’s won the last title, the face and image of soccer in America has changed. Soccer is starting to establish a stronghold and building a solid fan base. The game ended in extra time and offered a tempting mix of ingredients. All the way through, the Women’s team offered all a fan could wish for. They were engaging, resilient, unselfish and highly successful.
The U.S. Team and Japan played their best throughout this event. The coach for the Japanese team showed players slides of the earthquake devastation before the quarterfinals to remind them that they were there for a big reason. He incited them to want to play for their country.
Japan had to overcome many more obstacles to reach the finals than usual. They were strong together because of the challenges, and not to overcome them. They rose to the occasion and had the power to win. One step at a while, the women became stronger and more united.
The key to success is having a clear goal and a plan. Each member of the Japan team, together with their coach, had a particular goal: to achieve the highest possible ranking. Although they were the underdogs xem bong da XembTV and smaller than their rivals, they excelled in technique. A strategy was developed and put into action. The team was able to achieve excellence by working together as one unit and winning against their opponent. You can excel when you have a clear purpose and a plan.
They proved this by their performance in the final game. It was impossible to lose. Strong will is built on desire, commitment and intention.
With so many stakes, there was only one option. Win.
All over Japan, you’d hear people shouting “ganbare!” to the athletes. This is an expression to cheer on an athletic athlete. It is a loose translation of “persevere”, “fight on” or “hang in there”. This is a strong encouragement that you “do what’s best.” As the Japanese rallied behind the team, this became their mantra, encouraging the women to win.
