How many times do we witness a sporting event that has so much more significance than just the final outcome? Do we remember the stunning Super Bowl during that first Gulf War or the first Super Bowl after the tragedy of September 11, 2001? Here in New Orleans we all remember how the Saints lifted our entire area after Katrina and a failed levee system tried to wipe us out. The Saints won the first regular season game they ever played post Katrina, then delighted us with the famous Monday night game against Atlanta when the Superdome finally reopened, more than one year after Katrina hit. We witness the Saints get to the NFC championship game in 2006 and then magic; the 2009 season and the victory in the Super Bowl down in Miami. Believe me, the entire area had not felt that good at anytime since Katrina struck.
Let's go back in time a few months and recall with sadness the devastation thrust upon the people of Japan when they were hit with a monster earthquake; 9.0 on the Richter scale and the resulting tsunami. We all watched with horror the many videos that documented forever the devastation of whole cities and what must have been the final minutes of many people's lives. I just checked and the death toll is still undetermined with over 10,000 confirmed dead but still 10,000 unaccounted for. The people of Japan, collectively as a nation and specifically in the kill zone, grieved with uncomparable sorrow. It is easy to understand that there has been little to smile about or celebrate.
Fast forward to this very day and the world championship of women's soccer. USA vs Japan. Among soccer purists; this would not be the predicted match up. Japan had to beat the home team and a favorite, Germany. And they had to beat the team that earlier defeated the Americans in the Swedish team. Despite long odds and the overwhelming distraction of the tragedy of their home nation, Japan was there.
Now being American I naturally wanted the USA to win and there would be no reason to think they would not. The first half showed a much more determined and talented team in the USA but the ladies could not get the numerous scoring chances to convert to goals. But in the 2nd half the Americans took a lead late; the kind of lead that normally holds up in low scoring soccer. But the Americans played questionable defense with the lead and Japan never quit. They tie it up; send it to extra time where again the Americans score late; usually in a spot that holds up. But cheesy defense again and a determined Japanese squad results in a tie game again and all that's left is penalty kicks.
The Americans became very helpful here; missing three. At this level of soccer this is unheard of. The Japanese did what they had to do and won the game. Needless to say, it took on the appearance of destiny. It took on the appearance of a sports miracle. It was, as one professional put it, Japan's miracle on ice, a reference to another nation lifting moment when Team USA beat the prohibitive favorite Soviet team at Lake Placid in 1980.
Hopefully the beleagured and weary people of Japan, especially in the impacted region of the earthquake and tsunami, can smile a little or feel some pride in this moment when sport is more than sport. And hopefully the extra attention to Japan through this World Cup will remind those who can still contribute financially or tangibly that so much more needs to be done.
In any case, Japan is World Champions in women's soccer just four months after the tragedy of a major natural event. And perhaps a nation and a people are happy, even if for a short while.
Continue to pray for the people of Japan!
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