Japanese Win at Women's World Cup a Tonic for Wounded Country

TV broadcasters told Japanese audiences to be inspired by their team. Coach Norio Sasaki told the players to think about the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster as they worked their way up in World Cup competition. The outcome was a major sports upset and a much needed restoration of pride for a devastated nation. Women's soccer is not a big deal in Japan, and its team was not considered among the world's elite. But they defeated powerhouses: Sweden, Germany and finally the United States, which they had never beaten before despite 25 opportunities.