Women's World Cup Final: Another Perspective

Scott Carlson thinks the U.S. ladies suffered from overconfidence.

In the end, I think the U.S. team’s overconfidence/borderline cockiness also came back to bite them in the worst way. At first, it was too much swagger, and then when PK’s came around, it was not enough. Three missed PK’s in a row, wow, what can you say? Despite some great individual efforts (Megan Rapinoe is an absolute beast, that girl can play), the team collectively crumbled, and I ‘m not afraid to say it.

I think he has a point based on the quotes he provides in his article. I think the results also showed the resolve and determination of the Japanese team. I'm sure a large part of this will to win was rooted in the Japanese player's desire to give their compatriots at home something to lift their spirits after the earthquake and tsnunami.

Zonalmarking's analysis of the Women's World Cup Final

I always find the analyses on Zonalmarking interesting so I was waiting to see if they would cover the Women's World Cup final. They did.

Japan 2-2 United States (AET): Japan win their first ever Women’s World Cup | Zonal Marking

The only thing I'd add is that it seemed that the U.S. team tried to play more possession soccer which obviously depends on technical ability than what I recall of previous World Cups where the U.S. women relied more on their speed and athleticism. I also read an interview of Anson Dorrance who was impressed by Coach Sundhage's practice in which she focused on crossing for 30 or more minutes where most coaches would not devote so much time for fear of boring the players.

I don't know how much time Sundhage practiced PKs. I've seen comments on a coaching forum questioning the sequence of players who took the PKs. What struck me is how weakly the first three players struck the ball. I don't know if it was the result of being under intense pressure or if they decided to pass the ball into the net as opposed to shooting. It also seemed that Japan's keeper had a good read on what our players were going to do. Results of scouting? Or did she pick up cues?

In any case, I'm happy for Japan and pleased that the U.S. players were gracious in defeat.