Japan hopes for women's World Cup win

TOKYO - Women's soccer fever has gripped Japan, diverting fans from summer staples sumo and baseball, after its "Nadeshiko" side beat Sweden to book a place in Sunday's World Cup final against the US.

"I really want them to win, so that the victory will encourage not only Tohoku, but also the entire country," said 38-year-old businessman Seiji Eizumi, referring to the region hit by the March 11 quake and tsunami.

Prime Minister Naoto Kan joined the cheering public, telling reporters, "I sure want to see them win the championship."

Tougher than their name suggests - Nadeshiko is a pink flower symbolizing beauty and grace - Japan became the giant-killer of Germany 2011 whenit beat the host in the quarterfinals and Sweden in the semifinals.

Japan, ranked fourth in the world, now faces off with two-time World Cup winner the US - the first time the Japanese side has reached the final.

Housewife Shinobu Makino, 54, said the news was a welcome respite as the country struggles to recover from the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, which ravaged the northeast coast and triggered the Fukushima nuclear crisis.

"Since the quake, we've received nothing but dismal news," she said. "A victory against the United States would give Tohoku hope and encourage Japan.

"With the series of victories they have had, Nadeshiko Japan have proved that women can also play football."

Tokyo office worker Satoshi Suzuki, 34, was more cautious, saying winning the World Cup would not be easy.

"Though we have won against Germany and Sweden, playing against the United States, the world's best team, is a whole different story," he said.

"They are physically stronger and taller than Japan."

Agence France-Presse

(China Daily 07/15/2011 page24)