Japan win's women's World Cup and helps lift a ravaged nation

Cheers were hear near and far yesterday for Japan's win of the women's World Cup over the US. What a difference from what sadness fell upon them earlier this year after the devastating tsunami and earthquake ravage their nation. Thousands were killed or missing, villages were erased and homes destroyed. The players on Japan's women's World Cup team invoked the slow recovery from the tragedy. True to their word, they brought a gleaming World Cup trophy back on the plane - a sign of hope that can maybe lift some of the gloom for maybe a little while.

"Before we went to the match last night we had some commentary on television and we heard comments on the situation in Japan," coach Norio Sasaki said after Japan upset the Americans for the World Cup title in a riveting final Sunday night, 3-1 on penalty kicks, after coming from behind twice in a 2-2 tie. "We wanted to use this opportunity to thank the people back home for the support has been given."

This was Japan's fist appearance in the final of a major tournament, and it hadn't beaten the Americans in their first 25 meetings, including a pair of 2-0 losses in warm-up games a month before the World Cup. But, the Nadeshiko pushed ahead, playing inspired soccer and hoping their success could provide even a small emotional lift to their nation, where nearly 23,000 people died or were reported missing in the March 11 catastrophe.

Joyous fans wearing Japan jerseys hugged and sang in Tokyo as they watched the players hold the trophy a loft, confetti swirling around them and flecking their hair with gold. Special newspaper editions were printed by the national papers and handed out to pedestrians in Tokyo on Monday morning, while scenes from the game were replayed constantly on television.

It was the first World Cup title won by an Asian country.

Honestly - both Japan and the US are winners. Just one received gold and the other silver. It was a great game, but I'm glad Japan won in the end. I believe sometimes good news can help with healing and will help the Japanese survivors move forward and see there are many good things to hold on to and look forward to.