2011 World Cup Archives

Soccer Watch: Japan Wins World Cup In Penalty Kicks

by Nick Engvall | Jul 18, 2011 | All, Soccer

Japan graciously wins the 2011 World Cup in Germany.

words // Nick Engvall

After the tsunami that left thousands of people homeless and the entire country of Japan with one of the worst natural disasters ever to deal with, they finally have something to boost their spirits and celebrate. The Japanese women’s national team defeated the United States in the 2011 World Cup Sunday in Germany.

The match began with Team USA attacking, looking refreshed and relentless. However, after what seemed like at least a dozen missed opportunities, some seeming like impossible misses, the USA and Japan remained tied 0-0 at half time. Despite the US getting on the scoreboard first, Japan answered back, twice. After the match headed to extra time and still tied at 2-2, the USA seemed to have the advantage going into the penalty kicks that would decide this year’s World Cup. However, Japan came out victorious, leaving the USWNT shocked and defeated as they watched the Japanese team graciously walk the pitch carrying a sign thanking the world for their support.

Check out some of the images in the latest Soccer Watch below courtesy of Yahoo.

Ayumi Kaihori celebrates stopping a penalty kick in adidas soccer equipment.

Abby Wambach wearing Nike soccer cleats.

Alex Morgan celebrates a goal wearing Nike soccer cleats.

Lauren Cheney wearing Under Armour soccer cleats, defended by Homare Sawa in the adidas adiPower Predator.

Hope Solo wearing customized Nike soccer gloves.

Soccer Watch: USA and Japan Advance to Finals

by Nick Engvall | Jul 14, 2011 | All, Soccer

Hope Solo kept the US in the World Cup with her Nike soccer gloves.

words // Nick Engvall

The United States looked to be off to a good start against France in the Semi-Finals. However, after halftime an equalizer tied the match, things got a little slow for Team USA. The defense looked tired and couldn’t maintain possession through much of the match, as goalkeeper Hope Solo was tested on a number of occasions. Then everything changed. The US team scored on another header from Abby Wambach to go ahead, and then the team’s youngest player, Alex Morgan, added another goal shortly thereafter to seal the victory.

In the second Semi-Final match, Japan allowed an early goal to Sweden’s Josefine Oqvist. Down 1-0, they evened the score just ten minutes later. After a back-and forth battle, Japan scored in the 59th and 64th minutes to defeat Sweden.

Check out the Soccer Watch coverage below courtesy of Yahoo and be sure to catch the World Cup Finals on Sunday.

Heather O;Reilly in the Chrome colorway of the adidas F50 adiZero.

Alex Morgan celebrates a goal wearing Nike soccer cleats.

Camille Abily wearing Nike Mercurial cleats.

Nahomi Kawasumi celebrates a goal wearing adidas soccer cleats.

Josefine Oeqvist celebrates her score wearing PUMA soccer cleats. Josefine Oqvist celebrates her score wearing PUMA soccer cleats.

Abby Wambach once again led the US wearing Nike soccer cleats.

Lotta Schelin wearing the adidas F50 adiZero. Lotta Schelin wearing the Intense Pink adidas F50 adiZero.

Homare Sawa wearing the adidas adiPower Predator.

Soccer Watch: 2011 Women’s World Cup

by Nick Engvall | Jul 11, 2011 | All, Soccer

Hope Solo of the US National Team wearing Nike soccer gloves.

words // Nick Engvall

A bad call seemed to put the USA at disadvantage they couldn’t overcome. Playing short-handed, they never lost the belief that they could win, despite being on the verge of the worst performance in the history of USA women’s soccer.

However, nearly 2 minutes into extra time of overtime, down 2-1 to Marta, the best female player in the world, and the Brazilian team which is loaded with skillful players, Abby Wambach scored on a brilliant header to force penalty kicks. Now, with Hope Solo, the best goalkeeper in the game, the USA had the advantage they needed and emerged victorious to the sounds of German and American fans chanting, “USA! USA!”

On Wednesday the US will take on France, who defeated England on penalty kicks Saturday. Following the US vs. France match, Japan, who shocked the German team, will face Sweden to determine who will play for the title on Sunday.

Check out the latest Soccer Watch coverage below, courtesy of Yahoo.