Even a stunning 5-2 loss to the United States can't harm the legacy of Homare Sawa, who likely made her final World Cup appearance in Sunday's match. That's how many of her local supporters feel, at least.
Sawa "means a lot not only for our city but also Japan. She gave us a lot to cheer for," said Daisuke Kofuji, who grew up with Sawa in the Tokyo suburb of Fuchu. "If she is physically well, I want her to continue to play (in the next World Cup). But it is her decision."
More than 120 fans gathered at the Fuchu Shinmachi Culture Center on Monday morning to take in the tournament final, which was played in Vancouver. The cheers turned to sighs every time the U.S. scored a goal, but they never stopped cheering for Nadeshiko, as the women's national soccer team is known, until the end.