by Tiffany Weimer
In what can go down as arguably one of the most intense women’s soccer games in the history of life (dramatic, I know), Japan just barely pulled out a 2-1 win over France in the first semifinal match of the day.
The first half was a battle of two very technical teams. The French had more chances, but Japan were able to capitalize first.
A mistake by French goalkeeper Sarah Bouhaddi in the 32nd minute would change the course of the game. After a free kick was played into the box Bouhaddi got her hands to it, but was unable to keep it as Yuki Ogmi put it away.
Japan went into the second half up 1-0 with the gold medal game in their reach. Just minutes after the break, Japan extended their lead in the 49th minute off a Mizuho Sakaguchi goal. A poor giveaway in the back, followed by a foul to try to make up for it led to an Aya Miyami free kick.
A perfectly placed ball, was met by the head of Sagakuchi as she redirected it to the far post, over the outstretched arms of Bouhaddi.
At 2-0, the game seemed to be in the hands of Japan.
But then a spark was lit in the form of Louisa Necib. Necib cranked it up a notch and her team followed suit, a great example of what one player can do for a team.
France was the more dangerous team in the last 25 minutes of the match as players pushed forward, pressured the Japanese defense and created several good scoring opportunities.
In the 76th minute it paid off. Marie-Laure Delie played Elodie Thomis down the right side and with a touch to the end line, cut the ball back to the penalty spot where Le Sommer was waiting to get her hips around the ball, sending it straight down the middle, out of the reach of goalkeeper Miho Fukomoto.
Three minutes later, it was Le Sommer again, cutting up defenders in the box, making the Japanese defense look unorganized, and drawing a penalty kick with a foul committed by Sakaguchi, the goal scorer.
Captain Elise Bussaglia stepped up for her country to take control of what was to be the most important moment in her team’s history.
As she approached the ball and opened her hips to strike, goalkeeper Fukomoto was already beat to her left, but Bussaglia’s shot missed just wide to the right as everyone watching held their breath for just a few seconds.
Still 2-1 in Japan’s favor, France did not give up. Japan’s defense would bend time and time again, but did not break. Fukomoto came up huge for her team, making save after save.
Japan will go on to the Gold Medal game to take on the winner of Canada vs. the U.S.
France will play in the Bronze Medal game.