Japan fans turn to drink as �Nadeshiko� sink

AFP, TOKYO: Madoka Kataoka was on her third beer of the morning on Monday even before Japan kicked off against the USA in the women’s World Cup final.
A quarter of an hour later, a little after eight in the morning, she had switched to something stronger after a Carli Lloyd wonder goal from the halfway line put the Americans four up. By the end of a 5-2 thrashing she was close to tears.
“That was brutal,” said Kataoka, 27, a barista who looked in need of a double espresso. “What an awful start to the week. I moved on to vodka martinis for medicinal purposes as Japan were getting battered.”
Millions across Japan watching live on television, many in bars or cafes, experienced that same sinking feeling as the holders were overpowered in the Vancouver final.
“Wow, just like Beckham,” salesman Yukihiro Hatayama, 34, told AFP, cradling his head in his hands. “It’s embarrassing now. I hope they have mercy on us.”
Japan did salvage a measure of pride, and Yuki Ogimi’s goal was replayed over and over on Japanese TV after the match, giving the impression the “Nadeshiko” — named after a frilly pink carnation — had won the game.
But most Japanese fans sat in stunned silence after their team’s horror start.
“I hadn’t even ordered a drink and it was 4-0,” sighed student Masa Imai. “The Americans were too strong. Japan’s players looked like little girls.”
Half-time heralded a rush for the bar, although some fans slunk sheepishly for the exit, bowing apologetically as they joined the ranks of salarymen heading for trains to work.
American Katie Harding suppressed the urge to gloat.
“That was just amazing,” said the 23-year-old student. “I’m glad Japan came back a bit. But even happier they didn’t come back all the way.”

Japan fans turn to drink as �Nadeshiko� sink

AFP, TOKYO: Madoka Kataoka was on her third beer of the morning on Monday even before Japan kicked off against the USA in the womens World Cup final. A quarter of an hour later, a little after eight in the morning, she had switched to something stronger after a Carli Lloyd wonder goal from the halfway line put the Americans four up. By the end of a 5-2 thrashing she was close to tears. That was brutal, said Kataoka, 27, a barista who looked in need of a double espresso. What an awful start to the week. I moved on to vodka martinis for medicinal purposes as Japan were getting battered. Millions across Japan watching live on television, many in bars or cafes, experienced that same sinking feeling as the holders were overpowered in the Vancouver final. Wow, just like Beckham, salesman Yukihiro Hatayama, 34, told AFP, cradling his head in his hands. Its embarrassing now. I hope they have mercy on us. Japan did salvage a measure of pride, and Yuki Ogimis goal was replayed over and over on Japanese TV after the match, giving the impression the Nadeshiko named after a frilly pink carnation had won the game. But most Japanese fans sat in stunned silence after their teams horror start. I hadnt even ordered a drink and it was 4-0, sighed student Masa Imai. The Americans were too strong. Japans players looked like little girls. Half-time heralded a rush for the bar, although some fans slunk sheepishly for the exit, bowing apologetically as they joined the ranks of salarymen heading for trains to work. American Katie Harding suppressed the urge to gloat. That was just amazing, said the 23-year-old student. Im glad Japan came back a bit. But even happier they didnt come back all the way.