Japan Upsets Germany 1-0 in Overtime.

Japan pulled off one of the biggest upsets in women's soccer history in defeating the host German squad by 1-0 in overtime in a match played in Wolfsburg, Germany. In a match featuring two of most talented sides in women's soccer, it took 108 minutes before a goal was conceded, one that would shock the hugely pro-German crowd.

It was 2nd half substitute Karina Maruyama who became Japan's hero in the 108th minute. Perhaps her legs were just a little fresher than everyone elses at that late stage of the match. In perhaps of foreshadowing of things to come, Maruyama had scored a late goal against Germany five years ago in a 6-3 loss. This one had to be a bit more exciting for the Japanese veteran.

Once again, German coach Silvia Neid decided not to start Birgit Prinz. Little did anyone know that Prinz may have played her last World Cup match against Nigeria in Germany's second match.

Things started off on the wrong foot early on for the Germans. Just three minutes into the match, as both Mizuho Sakaguchi and Kim Kulig would go up to head a corner kick, Sakaguchi was knocked off balance and fell onto the leg of Kulig. Sadly, it appeared to be a serious injury for the German midfielder and she was forced to leave the match almost before it had started. Kulig was replaced by Bianca Schmidt, who entered as a defender, with Linda Bresonik moving from her outside back position into the midfield.

In the 9th minute, Kerstin Garefrekes broke through on the right side and sent a soft cross to the middle, but the Japanese defense were able to clear. It was a theme that would be repeated over and over throughout the match, Germany sending the ball into the penalty area and the Japanese defense clearing or Japanese keeper Ayumi Kaihori making a save.

A Melanie Behringer free kick from just outside the right side of the penalty area, came dangerously close to going in, with Saki Kumagai heading the ball out from very close to the goal line. Kerstin Garefrekes appeared to have control of the ball behind the Japanese defense on another free kick, but couldn't quite get a shot off and Japan once again cleared.

But while Germany were getting their chances, Japan clearly dominated possession in the first half, playing a beautiful passing game to control the tempo of the match. They nearly scored in the 30th minute as Saskia Bartusiak muffed an attempted clearance and Yuki Nagasato gained control of the ball on the right side of the box. However, Nagasato hooked her shot well wide of the post from 15 yards out.

Throughout the match, again and again, Kaihori made solid plays in goal. In the 32nd minute, she thwarted Celia Okoyino da Mbabi's sliding attempt only a few yards to the right of her goal. Meanwhile at the other end, Japan were troubling German keeper Nadine Angerer very little, in spite of their possession advantage. The half ended scoreless.

Norio Sasaki would send Maruyama out to start the second half in place of Nagasato. Having already used a substitution for the injured Kulig, Silvia Neid made no changes.

In the 48th minute, Garefrekes sent a soft serve to the 12 yard mark, which Inka Grings headed well over the crossbar. One had to feel that in spite of Japan's solid play, it was only a matter of time before Germany would score.

In the 56th minute, Germany came as close as they possibly could to scoring the first goal. Melanie Behringer's free kick was served perfectly to the back post, where Simone Laudehr had an uncontested header from in close. She guided it to the inside of the right post, but Yukari Kinga cleared the ball off the line.

In the 62nd minute, Aya Miyama tried to hit the upper left corner from 20 yards, but her shot sailed wide with Angerer there to cover it if it was on net.

In the 64th minute, Neid sent Lena Goessling in for Bresonik, who had been ailing with the flu earlier in the tournament. Sasaki countered by sending in Mana Iwabuchi for Shinobu Ohno. Iwabuchi would certainly be troublesome for the German defense in the later stages of the match, but her size was a disadvantage against the German back line who were usually able to shield her off the ball before she could get a shot off.

A Japanese corner kick almost produced a good chance, but Mizuho Sakaguchi's shot from 12 yards was blocked by Lena Goessling. With only 15 minutes left in regulation, both sides had to be wondering if either would score.

Germany nearly scored in the 77th minute. Simone Laudehr attempted to dribble into the box, but the ball was knocked away, only to be picked up by Garefrekes, who burst through an opening on the right side of the penalty area. She dribbled to the six uncontested and crossed the ball to Behringer who volleyed it well over the bar from 15 yards out.

Both teams traded half chances in the latter stages of the match, but there would be no scoring and the game headed to overtime.

Japan would have a scary moment just as overtime started. Homare Sawa appeared to get kicked or take a cleat to the groin area and was down for several minutes. She had to come off the field and Japan played short for a few minutes while she recovered.

Germany would get the first solid chance of the overtime. Okoyino da Mbabi would turn on Japanese defender Azusa Iwashimizu and get off a left-footed shot from 14 yards that would go wide of the left post. Japan appeared to be tiring as they started to make unforced turnovers in their own end. One led to a wide open Grings shot from inside the box, but it too went wide of the mark in the 101st minute. Neid sent Alexandra Popp in as her final substitution for Grings toward the end of the first overtime.

A 40-yard Miyama free kick proved to be quite a bit of trouble for Nadine Angerer. As she waited to catch the ball, Iwashimizu flashed in front of her and she appeared to drop the ball with it rolling off to the side and wide of the goal. Just a minute later an Okoyino da Mbabi shot was blocked by Iwashimizu at the other end. The match headed into the second overtime, with penalty kicks looming.

Just as the large crowd starting singing in an effort to boost the home side, Iwabuchi picked up a loose ball in space touching it to Homare Sawa. Sawa put the ball through into the right side of the penalty area. Maruyama beat Bartusiak to the ball and released a shot from a very steep angle. Angerer guessed near post, but Maruyama went far post and the ball found the side netting just inside the post to put Japan ahead 1-0.

Japan had scored a stunning goal, but now they had to withstand 12 more minutes of German pressure. Almost incredibly, Kaihori appeared to get more calm and in control her penalty area as the pressure increased. In the 109th minute, Behringer hit a hard shot from 20 yards, but Kaihori punched it over the net. A couple of minutes later, Okoyino da Mbabi hit a looping header from 10 yards, but Kaihori tipped that one over the net as well.

Wave after wave of German attacks in the closing minutes, but Kaihori and the Japanese back line were able to withstand the pressure as time ticked away. Time finally ran out on Germany as the goal that everybody thought would come, never did.

While Maruyama's goal was obviously the moment and star of the match, there were many heroes for the Nadeshiko. Kaihori and her back line couldn't have played any better. Homare Sawa was solid in the middle and came back after it appeared an injury would end her day.

For Germany, this has to be a bitter disappointment. They had been prohibitive favorites to win their third in a row and appeared to have the best team. But they just never took advantage of their many chances. While taking nothing away from the Japanese, it is in many ways a shame that Germany are out. They have had great support from huge crowds in Germany.

Japan will now take on the winner of the Sweden-Australia match which will be played tomorrow. And perhaps Japan has gone from being the big underdog against Germany, to being one of the favorites to win it all. With the 2nd ranked Germans out of it and either the #1 USA or #3 Brazil being eliminated tomorrow, they will be the second highest ranked team remaining.

Germany 4, France 2

Germany won the match, but not before a few anxious moments, defeating France 4-2 in their final group stage match. The Germans won Group A and will meet Japan in a quarterfinal match on Saturday. France finishes second in the group and will play England.

While Germany certainly had the better of play, the French kept coming back at every turn, making the Germans work the whole match to hold on.

Germany was in control for most of the match and they did so without Birgit Prinz, who sat through the match on the German bench. Silvia Neid made several other changes to her lineup, inserting Bianca Schmidt, Lena Goessling, Inka Grings, and Fatmire Bajramaj.

French coach Bruno Bini made changes as well. Wendie Renard was back in the lineup after missing the last match with an injury. Laure Boulleau and Elodie Thomis were also given starts, with Marie-Laure Delie and Camille Abily sitting on the sidelines at the start.

Most of the early part of the match was played from 18 to 18, with few chances. Bajramaj shot from 15 yards was blocked by the French defense in the 12th minute. Another Bajramaj effort was caught by Berangere Sapowicz in the 15th minute.

Germany started to take more control of the match and they finally broke through in the 25th minute. And it was Kerstin Garefrekes doing what she does best, using her head to score. Babett Peter took a free kick from 40 yards out and Garefrekes beat Renard, heading the ball cleanly into the upper left side of the net. Germany led 1-0.

France attempted to come back, but their chances were not particularly dangerous. A Sandrine Soubeyrand long-range effort from 35 yards went well over the net in the 28th minute. A free kick from Soubeyrand was punched safely wide by Nadine Angerer.

Germany made it 2-0 in the 32nd minute and once again it was a header. Simone Laudehr placed a beautiful cross from the left side to about 12 yards out, with Inka Grings cutting across the box. Grings headed it just past Sapowicz's outstretched hands and Germany appeared to be in control with a two goal halftime lead.

Marie-Laure Delie and Camille Abily came in for Thomas and Louisa Necib at the half, while Ariane Hingst was inserted for Simone Laudehr.

If Germany thought they were going to have an easy time of it in the second half, France had other ideas. The French seemed to come out with renewed determination in the 2nd half and they were the ones to strike first. Soubeyrand took a French corner kick in the 56th minute and Delie headed the ball in from the near post about eight yards out. All of a sudden, France had life.

Germany was awarded a questionable free kick just outside the box in the 59th minute, while Renard was given a yellow card for what appeared to be a clean tackle. Grings low shot was headed just inside the left post, but Sapowicz made a beautiful diving save.

In the 65th minute, Inka Grings controlled the ball on the right side of the box and pushed a nice, soft pass across to Bajramaj. As the German midfielder attempted to move in for the shot, Sapowicz took her legs out. A red card was given to Sapowicz and a penalty kick awarded to Germany. On this call, there was no question. Inka Grings hit a solid shot into the right side, with replacement keeper Celine Deville guessing the other way. It was 3-1 Germany and the game appeared to be over. Well, maybe not yet.

Just when German fans thought they could breathe easy, France struck again. Camille Abily's corner kick went just over the head of Wendie Renard, but Laura Georges was right behind her and unmarked. Georges perfect header once again cut the lead to one. The French were not giving up easily. Four goals on headers had been scored at that point as both sides were having trouble defending in the air.

Delie nearly tied the match a minute later, getting in on the left side of the box, but her shot went wide of the right post. France was playing a player down, but were still making things interesting.

Grings' free kick in the 76th minute slipped just wide of the right post and hit the side of the net. Hingst hit a cross from the right side a minute later, with Deville missing the ball. Bajramaj's bouncer was saved off the line by a sliding Abily to keep the margin at one.

Germany finally finished it off in the 89th minute. A cross came from Alexandra Popp to the head of Inka Grings who flicked a header to the right side of the box where a wide open Okoyino da Mbabi was waiting. She drilled a hard shot passed the feet of Deville and into the left side netting to finally clinch it for the Germans.

Germany wins Group A with an undefeated record. France comes in second, with this match being their only blemish. In addition to Sapowicz's red card, which will keep her out of France's match with England, several yellow cards were handed out which could affect both teams further into the tournament. Renard, Georges, and Elise Bussaglia all received yellow cards for France. Bajmaraj and Lena Goessling each received one for Germany.

Germany 1, Nigeria 0

In what was one of the most unattractive matches in these proceedings, Germany edged Nigeria by a 1-0 margin. Germany clinched a quarterfinal berth, but now trail France in goal differential, so they will need to defeat France next Tuesday if they are to win their group.

The first half saw no scoring and few chances. Nigeria, while playing very competant soccer, apparently decided that one their primary tactics would be to intimidate the Germans. The Nigerians certainly held their own in the first half.

Germany nearly got on the board in the 3rd minue as Kim Kulig tried to take advantage of a mixup by the Nigerian defense. But while Kulig was able to get a touch on the ball, Precious Dede was there to make sure it didn't get as far as the goal.

Kulig again tried to get the Germans on the board in the 13th minute, but Dede made a diving save on the German midfielder's attempt from 30 yards out.

Nigeria appeared to have a three-on-two advantage in the 22nd second minute, but the German defense recovered and Sarah Michael's cross was grabbed by Nadine Angerer.

But for most of the first half, the most noticeable facet of the match was the Nigerians' consistently overly physical play, the referee consistently allowing it to go on, and the Germans consistently complaining about the lack of calls. Late in the half, there was some particularly nasty jostling before a set piece.

The first half ended scoreless, not surprisingly so. There were only seven shots on goal for the match, six for Germany and one for Nigeria.

The second half continued the same pattern, with the Nigerians being progressively more physical and Germans complaining progressively more about the lack of whistles.

Germany had the first good opportunity of the second half, but Babett Peter's header was blocked by the Nigerian defense.

In the 54th minute, Germany was award a free kick just outside the left side of the box. Okoyino da Mbabi struck the ball into the middle. The ball was loose on a scramble with Alexandra Popp getting first crack at it. Her shot was blocked, but Simone Laudehr's rebound found its way through the maze of bodies into the net and Germany had finally scored.

In the 64th minute, Inka Grings' shot was partially blocked and Kerstin Garefrekes' stretching effort lifted the ball over the crossbar from 12 yards out. Grings caused Dede problems in the 77th minute as her 15 yard shot had good pace and overspin. The ball was briefly bobbled by Dede, but she grabbed it before Popp was able to try for a rebound. In the 79th minute, Kulig's drive from distance went just over the crossbar.

As the match wore on, Germany seemed to try to match Nigeria in physicality department and began to get in a few shots of their own, although it must be said that they were quite a bit more subtle about it than their opponent. Then a late game collision, as Angerer jumped to punch the ball out and Desire Oparanozie made a brash attempt to crash in and head the ball, nearly led to more hostility.

There is no doubt that Germany was thrown off their game by what was going on. The strange thing is that, physical play aside, the Nigerians played pretty well for most of the match. One would not have thought going in that Germany would have won each of their games by only a single tally at this point.

Nigeria will now play Canada in a match that will be purely for pride. Germany will play France in a match that will decide the order of finish atop Group A. Germany must defeat France in order to win the group.

Germany 2, Canada 1

Before a crowd of over 73,000 fans, the Germans opened their 2011 World Cup campaign with a 2-1 victory over Canada. But what looked like a second half cakewalk got a little interesting late in the match.

Germany entered this World Cup as the heavy favorites and they had an enthusiastic and partisan crowd behind them. But while they controlled the opening minutes of the match, they very nearly found themselves behind early on.

In the 6th minute, a German turnover gave Canada their first opportunity. Diana Matheson sent Christine Sinclair through on the left side of the box, but the great Canadian striker put the ball over the crossbar.

Germany continued to pressure on the other end. Erin McLeod was called on to make a great save on Kerstin Garefrekes from close range. But it was only seconds later that Germany struck first.

Babett Peter sent in a well-place cross from the left corner and it found Garefrekes on the back post. She soared about Marie-Eve Nault and headed the ball into the net and it was 1-0 for Germany.

In spite of finding themselves down in the opening minutes of the match, Canada didn't flinch. If anything, they may have had a slight edge in play over the next 25 minutes. They came close to getting a goal in the 20th minute, when Matheson sent another ball across the box, but Linda Bresonik cleared the ball wide, just as it appeared Emily Zurrer, who was making a back post run, might get to it.

Unfortunately, after a strong stretch of solid soccer, the Canadians started making mistakes late in the half. Nault was dispossessed of the ball, giving Melanie Behringer a chance, but she hit it over the crossbar.

In the 42nd minute, Germany took advantage of a misallignment by the Canadian back line. Garefrekes volleyed a long ball forward from just on the German side of the field. Not all of the Canadian defense had stepped forward, which kept a surprised Celia Okoyino da Mbabi onside. She walked in on a breakaway an easily slotted the ball past Erin McLeod to double the lead.

But while the Canadians played a fairly strong first half in spite of the score, the Germans totally dominated the first 35 minutes of the second half. They produced chance after chance, but were unable to increase their lead.

Alexandra Popp, who subbed in for Birgit Prinz in the 56th minute, grazed the top of the crossbar from distance in the 65th minute. Garefrekes missed a golden opportunity a minute later. Popp sent the ball across from the right side of the box to an unmarked Garefrekes just seven yards in front of an open net. Instead of putting the match out of reach, the German midfielder skied the ball over the crossbar.

German chances continued to pile up. McLeod made saves on Popp and Inka Grings and was a bit lucky when a Simone Laudehr blast from 30 yards out knocked paint off the crossbar. At that point, Canada had to feel fortunate to just be down by two goals.

But just when it appeared they had no chance, it was the great veteran Sinclair who got them back in the match. Sinclair was tripped up by Laudehr, which drew a yellow card and gave Canada a free kick from 28 yards out. Sinclair hit a beautiful shot, curling over the wall and dipping just under the crossbar into the upper right corner of the net, beating German keeper Nadine Angerer. In a shocking turn of events, the Canadians suddenly had new life.

They nearly tied it two minutes later on yet another set piece. Canada elected to go with a short corner and passed the ball out to defender Robyn Gale who sent the ball into the penalty area. Unexplicably, no one followed Emily Zurrer and she found herself all alone just 12 yards in front of the goal. She probably had more time than she realized and she volleyed it wide.

After that, Germany was able to play out the final few minutes to seal the victory. While Canada had to be disappointed with the loss, they could take heart in that their goal differential for the day did not end as badly as it could have. With France only defeating Nigeria by a goal and the Canadians only losing by one, it opened up the possibility that Canada might be able to advance into the quarterfinals with a tie against France and a victory over Nigeria.

In fact, that will most likely be the key match in Group A. Canada and France meet on Thursday, with the winner being odds on favorite of advancing.

As for Germany, aside from the brief scare at the end, it was a solid victory. They did surrender their first World Cup goal since 2003, after shutting out all opponents in 2007. They will meet Nigeria on Thursday, a team they destroyed last November by an 8-0 margin.