For 108 minutes of their quarterfinal match Japan looked strong and capable. Few gave them a chance to upset the hosts and favorites to win the Women’s World Cup, Germany, but they pushed and pushed the Germans. It didn’t pay off in the first half or the second half. The first half of extra time didn’t get Japan a goal either, but in the 108th minute they got the goal to put them ahead 1-0 and could turn the tournament on its head.
Women’s World Cup 2011, Germany Vs. Japan: Karina Maruyama’s Extra Time Goal Puts Japan In Front
The play began with Homare Sawa hopping on a free ball in the center of the pitch. She got to it first and quickly played a ball in over the top to a streaking Karina Maruyama. Eight yards wide of the right post and just a few yards from the end line, Maruyama was able to get to the ball and she struck the ball with her first touch. Despite the tight angle, Maruyama’s shot beat the goalkeeper and just snuck inside the far post, hushing the capacity crowd in Wolfsburg and sending the Japan bench into raptures.
With just 12 minutes to play, the hosts and favorites look to be on their way out of the tournament. It would be a shocking turn of events and undoubtedly the biggest upset of the tournament, but it would hardly be unfair. Japan has been very good all match long and have been the better side. Maruyama’s goal just finally made the scoreboard reflect that.
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