18 Aug 2008(Mon)

August 16, 2008: Just when Japanese football needed a boost back home, the women's team provided it at the Olympic Games on Friday night.

Their 2-0 victory over China's "Steel Roses" not only booked them a place in the semi-finals, it also prompted "Nadeshiko Fever" hype by the NHK commentary team.

And don't they deserve it.

This was a memorable performance by the women's team, who controlled the match and kept the Chinese at bay with their teamwork and spirit.

It is easy for critics to knock women's football, but these players really know the game and know how to play it.

In terms of composure on the ball, making the right decision in possession and playing a risk-free game, Japan displayed a maturity and professionalism that could go on and earn them a medal.

They now have two chances to medal, starting with their semi-final rematch against the United States on Monday in Beijing, but they will need to be at their best to achieve it.

The Americans have already beaten them 1-0 in this competition, and have not lost to Japan in 21 meetings.

But Japan are getting better as the tournament progresses, and will be full of confidence going into the semi-finals.

I saw their first match at Qinhuangdao, an uncharacteristically nervy 2-2 draw with New Zealand, and the 1-0 defeat by America was followed by that astonishing 5-1 victory over Norway to scramble into the quarter-finals.

Now the sky is the limit for the women's team, whose performances seem sure to spark an upsurge in the game on their return to Japan.

In Homare Sawa, they have an icon and a leader the men's team has missed since the retirement of Hidetoshi Nakata, and the team plays with a Troussier-style automatism and efficiency.

One player goes out, another comes in and knows exactly what to do, and the team retains its shape and focus throughout.

Yes, that was a terrific display against the once formidable Steel Roses, with Sawa again showing her heading prowess and Nagasato finishing ruthlessly to settle the match.

Japan can look back on the 2008 Olympic Football Tournament with pride after all, regardless of what happens from now.

ends