Fans Flock To See Japan's Women's National Team Arrive Home As Tributes Flow.
The Japanese Prime Minister labels his nation's victory at the 2011 Women's World Cup "the greatest gift", as thousands of fans turn out see the team return home at Narita Airport.
Japan's women's national team has returned home to a rapturous welcome from thousands of fans who packed out Narita Airport after their World Cup triumph.
The Japanese team defeated the United States 3-1 on penalties in Sunday's final in Frankfurt after the two sides couldn't be split at 2-2 following 120 minutes of play.
The team, nicknamed 'Nadeshiko', were greeted at the airport by a huge gathering of supporters waving flags and wearing the side's uniform, who were there to celebrate the World Cup triumph and pay tribute to their heroes.
The side's efforts in winning the World Cup drew praise from the nation's Prime Minister, Naoto Kan, who said it was the “greatest gift” for Japan following on from the March natural disasters that devastated the country.
Japan Football Association (JFA) president Junji Ogura also praised the team.
"There is no happier president than a World Cup winner," "The players have showed the brilliance of Japanese women.”
Asian Football Confederation acting president Zhang Jilong said Japan's triumph was a major breakthrough for football in the world's biggest continent.
“This is a great day for Asian football. The ‘Nadeshiko’ have made us all immensely proud. They have shown what is possible if one has the resolve, determination and persistence.
“This is the biggest possible boost to women’s football in our continent and other member associations should try to emulate Japan’s example. I congratulate the JFA, its President Junji Ogura, coach Norio Sasaki, and all the players.”
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KEI OOMORI
kei@mercy.co.jp / +81-50-5539-9816 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting +81-50-5539-9816 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
kei@mercy.co.jp / +81-50-5539-9816 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting +81-50-5539-9816 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
