It was the rematch of the year as Nadeshiko Japan and the United States faced off in the London Olympics women’s soccer championship, just as they did last year at the World Cup. But unfortunately for Japan, the Americans persevered this time and won the gold medal with a final score of 2-1 at the U.K.’s Wembley Stadium. Carli Lloyd scored both goals for the U.S., one in each half, while Yuki Ogimi was able to score the single point for the Japanese women’s national team.
The first goal of the Olympic soccer championship match came only eight minutes into the game, after Alex Morgan passed the ball from the end line for Lloyd to drive in. The second came at the 54 minute mark when Lloyd brought the ball all the way from midfield to the edge of the penalty area, and landed a shot along the far post. Ogimi was able to put one on the board for Japan at 63 minutes, but while Nadeshiko came close to scoring again, they weren’t able to make it past goalkeeper Hope Solo.
Carli Lloyd scores the first goal for the U.S.
It’s not a complete loss for the Nadeshiko women however, as their silver medal is the first for Japan in Olympic soccer, an achievement that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Coach Norio Sasaki has said he will retire after the Thursday match, bringing his four and a half year career with the team to an end. Meanwhile Canada took the bronze medal for women’s soccer after defeating France 1-0.