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Match 5 Hamilton - Waikato Stadium
weatherCode5
30 October
Japan
3:2
USA
3:2 (1:1)
  • Mana IWABUCHI (31')
  • Natsumi KAMEOKA (68')
  • Kei YOSHIOKA (74')
  • Vicki DiMARTINO (3')
  • Kristie MEWIS (51')

Referee Thalia MITSI

Summary

Japanese genius fells favourites

Japanese genius fells favourites

A superb Japan performance produced the biggest shock of New Zealand 2008 thus far as favourites USA were beaten 3-2 in a hugely entertaining encounter. The Americans had been expected to cruise against their diminutive Asian opponents but proved no match for a Young Nadeshiko side whose superior movement and individual skill enabled them to twice them come from behind to claim victory.  ...

Highlights

Line-up

JPN
USA
Substitute(s)
Coaches
Hiroshi YOSHIDA (JPN)
(USA) Kazbek TAMBI
Officials
  • Referee: Thalia MITSI (GRE)
  • Assistant Referee 1: Romina SANTUARI (ITA)
  • Assistant Referee 2: Secim DEMIREL (TUR)
  • Fourth official: Cristina DORCIOMAN (ROU)
  • Injured

Photos

  • Japan's Minori Chiba fights for the ball with USA's Courtney Verloo
  • Japan's Akane Saito fights for the ball with USA's Elizabeth Eddy
  • Japanese players celebrate scoring against USA
  • Mana Iwabuchi celebrates after scoring in Japan's 3-2 win over USA.
  • Japan's Mana Iwabuchi attempts to escape from USA's Amber Brooks
  • USA fans cheer on their team during the match against Japan.
  • Mana Iwabuchi is congratulated by her Japan team-mates Yuiko Inoue and Chinatsu Kira after scoring against USA
  • Japan's Mana Iwsabuchi is congratulated by Natsuki Kishikawa after her goal against USA
  • Japan's Minori Chiba challenges USA's Courtney Verloo

Quotes

Hiroshi Yoshida, Japan coach
This means so much to us. I'm so happy to have beaten the US, a team considered to be No1 at this tournament. But although people may be shocked at this result, I am not at all surprised that my players were able to reach this level.

Kazbek Tambi, USA coach
We're extremely disappointed. We just didn't keep the ball well enough for most of the match, although we have to give credit to Japan, who played a great match.

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STATISTICS
JapanStatisticsUSA
20Shots11
3Corner kicks6
1Yellow cards1
0Second yellow card and red card0
0Red Cards0
61%Possession (%)39%