Japan hope for women's World Cup win

Women's football fever has gripped Japan, diverting fans from summer staples sumo and baseball, after their "Nadeshiko" side beat Sweden 3-1 to book a place in Sunday's World Cup final against the USA. "I really want them to win, so that the victory will encourage not only Tohoku, but also the entire country," said 38-year-old businessman Seiji Eizumi, referring to the region hit by the March 11 quake and tsunami. Prime Minister Naoto Kan joined the cheering public, telling reporters, "I sure want to see them to win the championship." Tougher than their name suggests -- Nadeshiko is a pink flower symbolising beauty and grace -- Japan became the giant-killers of Germany 2011 when they beat the hosts in the quarter-finals and Sweden in the semi-final. Japan, ranked fourth in the world, now face off with two-time World Cup winners the USA -- the first time the Japanese side have reached the final. Housewife Shinobu Makino, 54, said the news was a welcome respite as the country struggles to recover from the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, which ravaged the northeast coast and triggered the Fukushima nuclear crisis. "Since the quake, we've received nothing but dismal news," she said. "A victory against the United States would give Tohoku hope and encourage Japan. "With the series of victories they have had, Nadeshiko Japan have proved that women can also play football." Tokyo office worker Satoshi Suzuki, 34, was more cautious, saying winning the World Cup would not be easy. "Though we have won against Germany and Sweden, playing against the United States, the world's best team, is a whole different story," he said. "They are physically stronger and taller than Japan."