FIFA.com - News

Closing the gap

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 11:49:00 GMT

The official technical report into this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup™ highlights a number of marked improvements in the women’s game and suggests that the competitive gap has become narrower than ever.

Nadeshiko awarded FIFA World Champions Badge

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 14:33:00 GMT

Japan’s success at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Germany 2011™ has been recognised with the presentation of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Champions Badge.

Japan honours women's squad

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 09:53:00 GMT

Japan honoured its FIFA Women's World Cup™-winning football team as heroes, with the Prime Minister of the country saying that they had given "given courage ... to all of the people" recovering from the recent earthquake tragedy.

Japan honours Nadeshiko

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 08:11:00 GMT

The victorious Japan team which claimed their inaugural FIFA Women's World crown at Germany 2011, will be honoured by the Japanese government with the "People's Honour Award" for their role in helping restore the nations spirits.

Japan's league boosted by World Cup win

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 12:43:00 GMT

Japan's national women's league has received a boost in supporters following the nation's FIFA Women's World Cup victory, with almost 18,000 attending to see national captain Homare Sawa's club INAC Kobe.

Japan claim maiden title

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 08:13:00 GMT

The FIFA Women's World Cup 2011™ in Germany took the feminine side of the world’s most popular sport to a whole new level and will remain forever in the memory.

Japanese media hails returning heroines

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 15:40:00 GMT

On the day the Germany 2011 winners returned home, the press in Japan and across Asia have hailed the ground-breaking success of Norio Sasaki and his team.

Japanese heroines reflect on triumph

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 03:54:00 GMT

A crop of the Germany 2011-winning players, along with JFA President Junji Ogura, have enthused about their victory over USA and putting a smile on their compatriots during a difficult year.

Sawa: I could never imagine this

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 02:10:00 GMT

FIFA.com spoke to Japan's FIFA Women's World Cup hero Homare Sawa about winning the tournament, receiving the Golden Boot and Golden Ball, as well as the secret to the team's success.

Kaihori and Kumagai, Japan's penalty stars

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 00:49:00 GMT

After their star turns in the penalty shoot-out which saw Japan lift the FIFA Women's World Cup, Ayumi Kaihori and Saki Kumagai told FIFA.com what the victory means to them and their country.

Bittersweet for Solo and Wambach

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 00:29:00 GMT

The heartbroken pair of Hope Solo and Abby Wambach were given silver-linings to USA's penalty shoot-out Women's World Cup final defeat in the form of individual awards, but they weren't the titles they wanted.

Double delight for Sawa

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 00:25:00 GMT

FIFA.com reveals the individual award winners at the FIFA Women's World Cup 2011, with Japan playmaker Homare Sawa, and USA pair Hope Solo and Abby Wambach, each receiving two each.

Japan edge USA for maiden title

Sun, 17 Jul 2011 22:35:00 GMT

Japan are FIFA Women’s World Cup™ champions for the first time after a penalty shootout victory over USA, following a drama-charged 2-2 draw in Frankfurt.

Sawa: This is a dream

Sun, 17 Jul 2011 04:25:00 GMT

Japan midfielder Homare Sawa gives FIFA.com her thoughts on the FIFA Women's World Cup Final against USA, what the match means to her people, and her plans for the future.

Seven for Sundhage and Sasaki

Sat, 16 Jul 2011 20:09:00 GMT

Before tomorrow's FIFA Women's World Cup Final between Japan and USA, FIFA.com asked both teams' coaches - Norio Sasaki and Pia Sundhage - the same seven questions about the big match.

Ten fascinating Final facts

Sat, 16 Jul 2011 18:56:00 GMT

FIFA.com presents ten statistical facts ahead of the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup Final between Japan and USA in Frankfurt.

Rampone: Let's make USA proud

Sat, 16 Jul 2011 13:11:00 GMT

Having become the undisputed leader of the USA team after 14-years representing the stars and stripes, Christie Rampone will bow out of FIFA Women's World Cup football in her first final appearance.

Japan, USA ready for battle royal

Sat, 16 Jul 2011 11:57:00 GMT

All eyes will be on Frankfurt tomorrow as USA go in search of their third world title against final debutants Japan, who have never beaten the Americans.

'Standards will continue to rise'

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 10:43:00 GMT

In an exclusive chat with FIFA.com, two legendary coaches of the women's game and members of FIFA's Technical Study Group, namely April Heinrichs and Tina Theune give their verdict on Germany 2011.

Heroine Kawasumi living the dream

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 16:13:00 GMT

After scoring twice to inspire Japan to semi-final glory, Nahomi Kawasumi talks to FIFA.com about Sunday's decider and why Homare Sawa is an inspiration.

Rohlin: We want to be dancing again

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 23:27:00 GMT

Charlotte Rohlin speaks to FIFA.com about Sweden's semi-final defeat by Japan, the loss of influential captain Caroline Seger, how it felt to wear the armband and the Scandinavians' desire to beat France and finish third.

Japan and USA set up intriguing final

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 22:37:00 GMT

The Asians came from behind to beat Sweden 3-1 and reach the decider for the first time, while the Americans found their rhythm late on to see off France's stern challenge.

Japan sink Sweden, reach first final

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 21:55:00 GMT

The Nadeshiko fell behind in Frankfurt, but two goals from Nahomi Kawasumi, either side of Homare Sawa's effort, earned them a deserved 3-1 victory and a meeting with USA in the decider.

Ohno: We are not satisfied yet

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 02:50:00 GMT

Talented Japan forward Shinobu Ohno chats to FIFA.com about overcoming Germany, their upcoming semi-final with Sweden, her dream of winning the tournament and a desire to see more of her countrywomen take up football.

Sawa ready to take on Sweden

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 16:03:00 GMT

After playing through the pain barrier against Germany in leading her side to victory, Japan captain Homare Sawa is ready to lead by example again as they bid for a place in the FIFA Women's World Cup final.

Contrasting styles in semi showdown

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 14:41:00 GMT

It will be old against new when traditional heavyweights Sweden face rising force Japan at the semi-final stage at Germany 2011, with the contest also set to be marked by differing football styles.

Seger’s mega drive

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 10:46:00 GMT

After breaking through the mental barrier of reaching the semi-finals, Sweden skipper Caroline Seger believes that this is her side’s time for global glory.

Who will be crowned queens of Germany 2011?

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 10:56:00 GMT

FIFA.com wants to know which nation you think will shine brightest at Germany 2011 and take home the greatest prize in women’s football.

Schelin: It’s becoming a dream

Sun, 10 Jul 2011 18:37:00 GMT

The player of the match in Sweden’s 3-1 win over Australia, Lotta Schelin, spoke to FIFA.com after the game about scoring and the semi-finals.

Japan, France create history

Sat, 09 Jul 2011 23:43:00 GMT

FIFA.com reviews a stunning day of FIFA Women’s World Cup action as champions Germany were eliminated by Japan, and France edged England on penalties, with both victors reaching the semi-finals for the first time.

Germany stunned by tenacious Japan

Sat, 09 Jul 2011 22:19:00 GMT

Japan recorded a famous 1-0 extra-time win to eliminate reigning champions and host nation Germany from the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup, with the Asian side reaching the semi-finals for the first time.

Unique moment for Japan’s Ando

Sat, 09 Jul 2011 11:19:00 GMT

Today has the potential to be a special day for Kozue Ando, with the Duisburg midfielder lining up against some of her club-mates as Japan face Germany tonight, and to top it off it's her 29th birthday.

Kulig sees room for improvement

Sat, 09 Jul 2011 08:40:00 GMT

Talented young German midfielder Kim Kulig is one of the faces of the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup and here she tells FIFA.com about being in the spotlight and the joy of playing at home amongst the world elite.

Hosts primed as Japan seek new heights

Fri, 08 Jul 2011 16:25:00 GMT

History will heavily favour host nation Germany when they face Japan in their last eight meeting in Wolfsburg, with the Europeans having only failed once to reach the semi-finals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Appearances deceptive in Group B

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 11:08:00 GMT

Although England and Japan progressed to the quarter-finals with a comfortable points margin, the group matches were all tight contests save for Japan's 4-0 win over Mexico.

Wilkinson on the crest of a wave

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 19:31:00 GMT

Hannah Wilkinson earned a place in New Zealand’s footballing annals when she scored the goal that secured their first ever draw in a FIFA Women’s World Cup match. FIFA.com spoke to the 19-year-old history-maker.

Germany and England take top, Kiwis draw

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 23:08:00 GMT

Germany and England finished top of their groups thanks to respective defeats of France and Japan, while New Zealand rallied against Mexico to win their first-ever point in the history of the competition.

White: We gave everything

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 21:04:00 GMT

Ellen White, the scorer of England's opening goal in their 2-0 win over Japan, spoke to FIFA.com after the game and praised her team-mates for an 'excellent performance.'

Lionesses find their roar

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 09:28:00 GMT

A goal in each half gave England a 2-0 victory over Japan in Augsburg in a result which not only secured three points, but enabled the Three Lions to leapfrog their opponents to the summit of Group B.

Kiwis play for pride, Mexico live in hope

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 20:14:00 GMT

New Zealand and Mexico will conclude their Group B commitments in Sinsheim with very different agendas. The Kiwis are already eliminated but remain hungry for their first point, while El Tri harbour hopes of an unlikely qualification.

A stroll down memory lane

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 11:09:00 GMT

Before the Group B decider between England and Japan in Augsburg, FIFA.com spoke to Kelly Smith and Aya Miyama, the goalscorers the last time the sides met.

England and Japan battle for pole

Mon, 04 Jul 2011 00:11:00 GMT

The top two sides in Group B battle it out on Tuesday, with both England and Japan having an eye on finishing leading the pack, but after a thrilling 2-2 draw four years ago, neither team will be taking the other lightly.

Miyama-Sawa double act driving Japan

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 23:29:00 GMT

Following Japan's 4-0 defeat of Mexico, FIFA.com caught up with hat-trick heroine Homare Sawa and her impressive supplier Aya Miyama, who praised one another and discussed their nation's targets for the tournament.

Japan progress, England well placed

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 20:03:00 GMT

The Asians, inspired by Aya Miyama's invention and Homare Sawa’s hat-trick, overwhelmed Mexico 4-0, while Hope Powell's side are all but sure of joining them in the quarters after an examining comeback win over New Zealand.

Sawa heroics lifts Japan into quarters

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 15:53:00 GMT

A hat-trick from inspirational skipper Homare Sawa propelled Japan past Mexico with a 4-0 scoreline and into the quarter-finals of the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Nadeshiko look to boost home spirits

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 17:29:00 GMT

Following a devastating few months, and having had their FIFA Women's World Cup participation in doubt, Japan are hoping they can raise spirits back home and are using the recent tribulations to motivate themselves.

El Tri test for ambitious Japan

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 09:59:00 GMT

Japan can potentially secure their passage to the quarter-finals with victory over Mexico, while El Tri will be looking to build on the momentum they displayed in the latter stages of their draw with England.

Japan banner a global message

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 23:22:00 GMT

FIFA.com learned more about Japan's special 'thank you' banner, displayed before their Group B match against New Zealand, from their inspirational captain Homare Sawa.

Moment of magic makes the difference

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 19:56:00 GMT

Two stunning strikes from Japan's Aya Miyama and Mexico's Monica Ocampo earned their side precious points in their respective Group B encounters on Matchday 2 of Germany 2011.

JFA to show appreciation for support from football family

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 18:52:00 GMT

Three months after the terrible earthquake and tsunami that affected the country, the Japan Football Association (JFA) wants to express its gratitude to the global football family during the upcoming global tournaments in which its teams will be competing.

Miyama free-kick grabs Japan victory

Mon, 27 Jun 2011 15:52:00 GMT

Japan dominated possession but were en route to a 1-1 draw with a resilient New Zealand side before a delightful 68th-minute strike from their No8 secured victory.