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Friday, 10th August 2012
In Japan Sports News, Sports,
Nadeshiko lose gold to US
Nadeshiko suffered a 2-1 defeat in the Olympic Games women's football finals at London's Wembley stadium yesterday (August 9th).
Team USA nabbed the prize from under Japanese noses in a triumphant battle to avenge their World Cup loss in 2011.
Both sides demonstrated a formidable performance, however, it was ultimately Carli Lloyd of the US who achieved Olympic glory.
The midfielder secured her team's win in their fifth successive Olympic final, which includes her own hand in the side's Beijing victory.
Lloyd was no doubt devastated at the World Cup last year when she failed to score in the penalty shoot out, resulting in Japan being crowned the best team on the planet.
Although Yuki Ogimi pulled a goal back for Japan in the 63rd minute, Nadeshiko could not manage to get another ball into the back of the net despite several attempts.
Former Swedish footballer and current head coach of team USA Pia Sundhage described her anticipation as the exciting game unravelled.
"I painted a picture that we'd keep possession but Japan were too good for us," she said.
"[The US] found a way to win. Phenomenal, because that is not easy. They played with a huge heart and they changed the tactics a little bit. Wonderful."
Although the American side are revelling in their success, it was a disappointing result for Japan as they hoped to clinch their country's sixth gold medal of the Games.
Japan currently stands 12th on the table with 33 medals in all, while the US is topping the table with 39 gold, 25 silver and 26 bronze - bringing the total count to 90.
The men's football side also lost out on a bronze medal after Mexico triumphed with a 3-1 win in the semi-finals on Tuesday (August 7th).
The official closing ceremony for the Games will be held on Sunday.
Posted by Susan Ballion