WOMEN'S SOCCER WORLD CUP 2011: Double delight for Homare Sawa

Japan playmaker Homare Sawa has ended the FIFA Women's World Cup 2011 in Germany as the tournament's towering figure. The midfield schemer, the driving force behind her country’s ultimate triumph, claimed the adidas Golden Ball as the best player of the tournament, and the adidas Golden Boot as top scorer. Japan's first-ever moment of glory on the global footballing stage will forever be associated with the 32-year-old’s consistently outstanding displays and priceless goals.

USA stars Hope Solo and Abby Wambach, goalkeeper and centre-forward for the unlucky but gallant losers, also collected two individual awards apiece. Here it is the review and the accolades handed out at the end of the tournament.

adidas Golden Ball: Homare Sawa (Japan)

In her fifth appearance at the FIFA Women's World Cup, the Japan No10 was more precious to her team than ever before. Deploying all her reserves of experience, skill and creativity, Sawa not only put in the spadework in front of her back four, effortlessly linking defence and attack with intelligent passes, but also released her forwards with killer through balls. The icing on the cake was her clinically-taken haul of five goals.

The 32-year-old superstar stamped her authority all over the finals, crowning her personal triumph in the final with a stunning 117th-minute equaliser to level the scores at 2–2, send the game into penalties, and ultimately realise her dream of global glory. “She's a ball-winner, the orchestrator of her side’s build-up play, and a goal-getter all in one. She's definitely one of the most complete players," declared Tina Theune, a FIFA Women's World Cup-winning coach with Germany in 2003 and a member of the FIFA Technical Study Group, speaking exclusively to FIFA.com. Sawa was not only named best player at the tournament, but also takes home the adidas Golden Boot as top scorer.

adidas Silver Ball: Abby Wambach (USA)

The once-in-a-generation USA striker missed the 2008 Women's Olympic Football Tournament in Beijing with injury, but she exploded back onto the world stage in Germany. She contributed no fewer than four goals as the North Americans came within a couple of minutes of a third FIFA Women's World Cup triumph, powering all her goals home with her head. Very few defenders were able to cope with the 31-year-old's intelligent movement, eye for goal and unyielding will to win, as she overtook the legendary Michelle Akers as USA’s top scorer at the finals, moving onto 13 goals to the latter's 12. Wambach was one of the biggest personalities in Pia Sundhage’s team at the tournament, although coming so near and yet so far on Sunday takes just a little of the gloss off a superb personal achievement.

adidas Bronze Ball: Hope Solo (USA)

Already hailed as the star keeper in the women's game, Hope Solo impressively confirmed that standing at the FIFA Women's World Cup finals in Germany. The first-choice US shot-stopper is not only a commanding presence between the sticks, but also boasts outstanding reflexes and calm control of her own penalty area. She did not concede until her side's third group fixture, where she was finally beaten by a Lisa Dahlkvist penalty against Sweden. In the thrilling quarter-final against Brazil, she made a world-class save from Daiane in the shoot-out to book her side's place in the last four. In addition to the adidas Bronze Ball, Solo was also named the tournament's best goalkeeper.

adidas Golden Boot: Homare Sawa (five goals, one assist)


adidas Silver Boot: Marta (four goals, two assists)

Brazil superstar Marta, named FIFA World Player of the Year five times on the bounce, showed all her silky class in her side’s four matches. Danger threatened for the Brazilians’ opponents whenever Marta took possession, as she deftly deployed her perfect skills and athleticism to weave her way towards goal, where she again demonstrated her clinical effectiveness. The striker scored four goals in as many games, but quite apart from her individual ability, proved a good team player with two assists and any number of penetrating passes. The tournament ends with a bitter taste for the world's best player, as the shoot-out defeat in the quarter-finals means she still lacks a major international trophy.

adidas Bronze Boot: Abby Wambach (four goals, one assist)

adidas Golden Glove: Hope Solo
Hyundai Best Young Player: Caitlin Foord (Australia)

At the tender age of 16, Caitlin Foord is already a key member of the Australia senior side, showing huge promise and maturity both in right midfield and at right-back. A golden future surely beckons following three much-praised displays at this FIFA Women's World Cup, where she combined solid defence with attacking creativity. “She has the potential to become the archetypal modern defensive player," declared April Heinrichs, TSG member and former USA coach, speaking exclusively to FIFA.com.
FIFA Fair Play Award: Japan

The Nadeshiko not only won a place in the hearts of women's football fans all over the world with their superb passing game and individual skill, they were also adjudged the fairest team at the tournament. Norio Sasaki’s players collected just five yellows and one red card at the finals. The new world champions, whose post-match thank-you banner addressed to their friends all over the world will remain one of the enduring images of the tournament, comfortably carried off the FIFA Fair Play award.


All-star team

At the end of a tournament packed with incident, highlights and top-class football, 21 players were named in the All-star team. Goalkeepers: Ayumi Kaihori (JPN) and Hope Solo (USA). Defenders: Alex Scott (ENG), Laura Georges (FRA), Erika (BRA), Saskia Bartusiak (GER), Sonia Bompastor (FRA) and Elise Kellond-Knight (AUS). Defensive midfield: Shannon Boxx (USA), Homare Sawa (JPN), Caroline Seger (SWE) and Jill Scott (ENG). Attacking midfield: Kerstin Garefrekes (GER), Shinobu Ohno (JPN), Louisa Necib (FRA), Anonman (EQG), Aya Miyama (JPN) and Lauren Cheney (USA). Forwards: Lotta Schelin (SWE), Marta (BRA) and Abby Wambach (USA).

Homare Sawa: "I could never imagine this"


While a key element of Japan’s run to winning the FIFA Women’s World Cup was their team ethic and synchronised style of play, the star of the side was undoubtedly Homare Sawa.

The midfielder finished the tournament as the top scorer with five goals, and added the Player of the Tournament award to her Golden Boot. By scoring Japan's second goal, the No10 also became the oldest goalscorer ever in a FIFA Women's World Cup Final. As willing to work back and help her defence as she was adept in creating and finishing chances, Sawa thoroughly deserved her recognition.

We spoke to the 32-year-old straight after the Final in Frankfurt to get her thoughts on the penalty shoot-out victory over USA, her theory on the success of the team, and what it means to win individual honours.

Did you believe that you could go all the way at the beginning of the tournament?

Homare Sawa: Before the tournament we came here to go for the championship and to at least break into the final four. We came here for a medal but I could never have imagined winning it and I could never have imagined collecting the Golden Boot as well as being a world champion.

Having been a part of the national squad for nearly two decades, how do you feel personally now that you have achieved this success?

This is my fifth World Cup and I did nothing in the previous four so I’m very happy with the result today. I’ve been a national team member for 18 years so this has been a long, long wait. I’ve been through the difficult times for women’s football in Japan so I really feel relieved. It doesn’t feel like reality.

I could never have imagined collecting the Golden Boot as well as being a world champion.

What do you think makes this Japan team so special?


None of our players gave up and they worked hard until the last minute. When the score went to 2-1, I thought it might be difficult for us but nobody gave up and that’s how we made it. We were a good team throughout the tournament and remained united as one. The substitute members supported us all the way through the competition and the young players remained calm. The players like Miyama, Fukumoto and Kinga all developed and grew up a lot after the Beijing Olympics and they helped us a lot.

What is your message to all of the fans in Japan who have supported you throughout the tournament?

This is something that we gained as a team and we’ve had a lot of support from the Japanese people back home. I feel very grateful and thankful for all of those fans who supported me and the rest of the team.

What does it mean to you to win the Golden Boot and Ball?

It's absolutely great to win all these trophies. But they're not for me. The team played so much of a part in me winning these awards that I can't really take any personal pride in receiving them.

Who do you want to dedicate this victory to?


To my parents, particularly my mother. After we reached the final, she flew all the way to Germany to watch the game today. I feel really grateful to my mother and I want to dedicate it to both of my parents.

2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup: Canada and USA remember 2007 match

DETROIT -- Canadian international midfielder Julian de Guzman has seen the replay so many times that he has had his fill of it.  Atiba Hutchinson thought he had just equalized against the United States in the fifth minute of injury time in the 2007 Gold Cup semifinals, only to have the goal ruled offside by Mexican referee Benito Archundia. Instead of forcing extra time, the game ended 30 seconds later with the Canadians gutted.

The United States went on to win the title and represent CONCACAF in the 2009 Confederations Cup.
If the Canadians are thinking retribution in both teams' Gold Cup opener on Tuesday in Detroit -- their first confrontation against their sourthern neighbors since the match, they hid it well Monday.

"I've seen enough of it to finally put it aside and to move on," De Guzman said. "That's how it is in life. There are things you've just got to put aside and carry on and wish for another opportunity.

"There's another opportunity for us again for us to prove ourselves that we belong in the top of with the rest of CONCACAF. This will be a good test for us. We couldn't ask for a better way to start this Gold Cup against one of our top rivals."

Midfielder Dwayne De Rosario said that hopes his teammates don't let their emotions get to them about that call four years ago.

"The one thing about this game tomorrow, We can't let our emotions get the best of us," he said. That's when you get burned and you get exposed because you're trying to do too much. It's very important that we keep composed, stick to our game plan and we play the way we know how to play."

The Canadians did get something out of the game -- a big boost to their confidence.

"It was a big spark that we could run with the big boys, best in the world as well, and the U.S. is among the best in the world," De Guzman said. "But then again, that was four years ago. I think we have a better side this tournament. a lot of young and up and coming talent, guys who have done well on their clubs. . . . We have more depth as well."

The Americans did not feel the Canadians' thoughts of avenging the 2007 match, only that their opponents matched up well and would give them a run for their money. "They have some good players," goalkeeper Tim Howard said. "They are very much in our mold as well -- a dogged, hard-working team. They have some European experience, some MLS guys in the mix. I think it will be an interesting game. It will be a good battle. Physcially, it will be a good battle."

It might not have necessarily the passion of the Mexico-U.S. derby, but Canada-U.S. is a big deal, say the Canadian players. "It's not a big deal for the team, but for the country," he said. "It's always a healthy rivalry. I think that in any sport, U.S. against Canada is always a little bit of an edge and it won't be any different tomorrow."

De Rosario said it was difficult to gauge how many Canadians will come over from nearby Windsor, Ontario and parts north, west and east and cheer on their heroes in what has been dubbed the Border War or Border Clash.

"Hopefully, Canadian fans come in and show their support," he said. "The main thing is getting the Canadian fans behind us and hopefully we'll see them show up in numbers and show their support. It's a huge game. We're definitely going to need our 12th man, which is the fans there to support us."

While the Border War has been getting much of the attention here, there is another game on Tuesday -- the opening match between Panama and Guadeloupe.

The Central American side has reached at least the quarterfinals the past three Gold Cups, losing to the United States in the final on penalty kicks in 2005.

Guadeloupe was the sensation of the 2007 Gold Cup, playing giant killer and reaching the semifinals.

Panama national coach Julio Dely Valdes expects the Caribbean island to be a difficult challenge.

"They're a strong team with a lot of velocity who will try to repeat the performance in the '07 tournament, which I think was very good performance for them," he said.

Actually, Guadeloupe would love to have a repeat of its 2009 opener, when it defeated Panama 2-1.

"We know if we win the first game, we have a good chance to qualify for the second round," midfielder Stephane Auvray said. "We will do our best to try to come out with a victory like two years ago."



Osorio leaves Gold Cup, returns to Mexico
 

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina - Mexican defender Ricardo Osorio did not make the trip from Dallas to Charlotte. The veteran defender was sent directly from Dallas, where Mexico defeated El Salvador 5-0 in their Gold Cup opener on Sunday, to Monterrey on Monday due to an illness.  Mexico's Director of National Teams Hector Gonzalez Iñarritu confirmed Osorio's departure.

Iñarritu said Osorio will undergo further medical tests in Monterrey after the player suffered from pain in his urinary tract. The team's medical staff and team doctor Jose Luis Serrano monitored and treated Osorio's symptoms in Dallas but they felt he needed further attention.

"Our policy has always been to give our players all the support from a health and family point of view," Iñarritu said. "That's the primary concern. The sporting side is also important but we have been consistent in giving players our backing and that's what is important."

Iñarritu said Serrano explained that Osorio complained of pain and the veteran placer said that his family's medical history includes illnesses related to the prostate. He didn't elaborate.

"Right now what we want is for him to get better so he can return and join us once again," Iñarritu said.

There is no timeframe for Osorio's recovery.

Osorio will not return to the Gold Cup. Tournament rules state that a team can replace a player up to 24 hours prior to its first match.

Osorio did not dress for Sunday's game against El Salvador

Más de 2.500 agentes se encargarán de la seguridad de Obama en Brasil

El Presidente de Estados Unidos junto a su esposa e hijas llegarán a Brasilia la mañana del sábado.

Unos 2.500 agentes de seguridad serán desplegados el próximo sábado en Brasilia durante la visita del Presidente de EE.UU, Barack Obama, quien comenzará su gira por Latinoamérica que lo llevará también a Chile y El Salvador.

En las operaciones de seguridad participarán miembros de las Fuerzas Armadas y de los cuerpos policiales de la capital, que trabajaran en conjunto con unos 250 agentes de Estados Unidos.

La operación incluirá desde helicópteros de la Fuerza Aérea hasta francotiradores ubicados en sitios estratégicos de la Explanada de los Ministerios, una amplia avenida en la que se sitúan todos los edificios del poder público en Brasilia.

La llegada de Obama a Brasilia está prevista para la mañana del sábado, cuando tras una breve escala en un hotel que estará blindado por agentes de seguridad, se dirigirá al Palacio presidencial de Planalto, donde será recibido con una ceremonia por la Presidenta brasileña, Dilma Rousseff.

Los alrededores del palacio serán rodeados por cercas de metal en un perímetro de unos 200 metros, por lo que se prevé que los ciudadanos no podrán ver al Presidente norteamericano.

Portavoces del Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores aseguraron  que Obama llegará a Planalto a las 10.00 hora local (13.00 GMT), y pasará revista a una tropa de 217 militares vestidos con uniformes de época, para luego subir por una rampa que conduce al primer piso del palacio, donde será esperado por Rousseff.

Tras escuchar los himnos de ambos países, Rousseff y Obama harán un breve paseo por el palacio y visitarán una exposición de pintoras brasileñas que será inaugurada oficialmente el próximo día 23.

Luego tendrán una reunión privada y se trasladarán al Palacio de Itamaraty, sede del Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores, donde la jefa de Estado brasileña ofrecerá un almuerzo con un menú totalmente local.

Antes del almuerzo, Obama y Rousseff participarán en la clausura de un seminario que reunirá a representantes de unas 20 grandes empresas de ambos países y, tras los postres, el Presidente estadounidense se dirigirá a un centro de convenciones para asistir a otro evento del sector privado.

El mandatario de Estados Unidos viajará a Brasil con su esposa, Michelle, y sus dos hijas, quienes tendrán una programación paralela, y con la estadounidense Tania Cooper, esposa del canciller Antonio Patriota, como anfitriona.

La agenda oficial de Obama en Brasilia concluirá con un discurso en el segundo evento empresarial, y podría incluir una cena o un coctel en el Palacio de la Alvorada, residencia oficial de la Presidencia brasileña.

Según portavoces de Cancillería, Obama y su familia viajarán la noche del sábado hacia Río de Janeiro, donde la agenda del domingo incluirá una visita al Cristo del cerro Corcovado, un discurso en una céntrica plaza ante un público que puede llegar a 30.000 personas y un posible paseo a una favela, aunque este último no ha sido confirmado.

Así como en Brasilia, la seguridad en los sitios que Obama visitará en Río de Janeiro será extrema, con una operación pocas veces vista en la ciudad y que desplegará a miles de agentes por tierra, aire y mar.

Las autoridades de Río de Janeiro han previsto cerrar el tránsito en siete manzanas en torno a la plaza de Cinelandia, un tradicional reducto de la bohemia carioca en el que este domingo no podrá abrir el comercio, incluidos decenas de bares y restaurantes.

El bloqueo en una amplia región del centro, en la que no podrá estacionar ningún vehículo, y el cierre de todo el comercio fue exigido por los servicios secretos de EE.UU., reconoció ayer el secretario de Servicios Públicos de Río, Carlos Roberto Osorio.

El funcionario agregó que la alcaldía colocó a disposición de los servicios secretos de Estados Unidos toda la infraestructura de su Centro de Operaciones, desde donde la ciudad es vigilada a partir de 500 cámaras y desde donde se comanda la seguridad pública.