The goals (and missed penalty shots) were all so ironic: cute timing, strange construction. The first US goal was done in the Japanese manner: after a perfectly executed counter-attack. The Japanese goals were both shortly before the end of regular time / overtime and done technically very well (not quite as well as Marta's but still). The first keeping of a penalty shot was an artistic masterpiece possible only due to very high concentration - a great Japanese goal keeper! Solo lacked the tiny extra bit of concentration when letting slip a penalty shot to the left corner just barely through her fingers. The second US penalty misery high above the goal was nothing but a great absence of nerves; yet a bit higher and it would have qualified for a slapstick (Wo)Men without Nerves.

During the first 14 or at latest 30 minutes, USA could have led by 5:0 but the goal proved to be 1 mm too low and too narrow:) Other shots went besides the goal not because that was forced but because the US players lacked concentration and chose a wrong direction for the ball. During the first regular half, Japan lacked its usual pass security play and USA defeated Japan's defense and positional play almost completely. It was "only" the slightly misplaced final shots to the goal that prevented USA from winning easily. Also during the second half, USA played better. Only on one aspect, USA could not beat Japan: concentration and motivation. USA was over-motivated ("Wow, look how happy we are while winning soon!") while Japan had the right sort of motivation: Never give up, wait for the all-deciding mistakes, have the highest concentration in the most important situations.

I think without Fukushima Japan would have had no chance; it gave them the necessary extra motivation. OTOH, with just a bit of extra luck, USA would have made those early goals and have an easy win. Strange circumstances let the technically weaker team win. USA made their best game of the tournament but fate and their own psychology were against them. Japan's game against Germany was stronger, except for the final penalty shooting.

Congratulations also to the German finalists - the referees, who made no mistakes (only a video study can reveal a close abseits (what's that in English?) decision). They did a very good job also in their earlier games.

Nice analysis, Robert. Why not switch from go to soccer analysis I think the red card was a bit overdone. I think it is because of Hiroshima that the Japanese won. It is of course also because of The War that your Mannschaft always wins ( at least in better times ). abseits ist ( Was sonst ? ) offside.

As somebody enforcing strict rules application, I agree to the referee's issuing of the red card:)