Women’s World Cup ushers new era

[B]By ZOE JEWELL[/B] [I]Special to the [/I]Saipan Tribune

[B]GERMANY[/B]—The Women’s World Cup began for the United States in Dresden, Germany, the site of their opening match against North Korea. The stadium was very energetic and lively. The Dresden community put on a good show, with games and activities outside for the kids. There were also quite a few American supporters, which was nice to see. The first half of the game was extremely nerve-wracking, as North Korea had several excellent opportunities to score, but thankfully, the U.S. came out hard in the second half to win, 2-0.

The second US game was held in Sinsheim, Germany, where they played against Colombia. There were even more American supporters at this game because there are quite a few army bases around the city. It almost felt like it was a home game for the U.S. The U.S. put on a good show and won, 3-0, off some spectacular goals.

To determine first place in the group, the U.S. played Sweden in Wolfsburg. The U.S. only needed a tie to advance first, but unfortunately they fell to Sweden, 1-2. The Sweden supporters were energetic and plentiful, and definitely out-numbered the American fans. Sweden scored off a penalty kick first, then off a free kick that ricocheted off a U.S. defender. The U.S. had all the possession and attack for the rest of the game and was able to score off an Abby Wambach header early in the second half but unfortunately, they could never equalize.

But more important than the U.S. performances, the 2011 Women’s World Cup has, so far, been an absolutely amazing experience. No other sporting event can compare to the World Cup and have such an effect on a country. The environment, the competition, and the support all represent a new era, a new generation. Who would have thought 50, even 20 years ago, that a women’s soccer tournament could sell out numerous stadiums of 25,000 people? In fact, the opening match, Germany vs. Canada, had close to 73,000 fans in the stands. The environment and passion people have for their community here in Germany is much like Saipan’s. When I play for the CNMI team, there is so much support and appreciation. I always feel like I have a whole community supporting me. There is no prejudice; no racial, or gender discrimination. The people come because they love the sport, the tournament, and the passion. It doesn’t matter who is playing or whether they are men or women. Here, in Germany, there are even signs on the roads that say “Third place is for men,” referring to the German men’s team that got third place at the 2010 World Cup, whereas the German women have won the past two Cups, in 2003 and 2007, respectively. There is a collective awareness that this is a special event.

I am lucky to have the opportunity in the past few days to speak with a couple of German men, who have each said that times are quickly changing. One told me that the older German men don’t accept women’s soccer as easily as the younger generation, but a change is coming. Another mentioned that before the 2006 men’s World Cup, which was also held in Germany, fewer people put flags up at their homes to show their national pride. But, during the event the Germans realized how special and unifying something like a World Cup can be. Now, flags are outside of people’s houses, on their cars, and buildings. The German fans even go to U.S. games decked out in their Deutschland fan gear. This pride is also replicated in Saipan. When competitions and events happen in Saipan, the people rally to support them. They come in numbers, cheering, not stereotyping, not gender profiling. People come because they love their community, a love that cannot be replicated anywhere else, though I think Germany definitely comes very close.

Going to the first two U.S. games was an absolutely amazing experience. People were outside the stadium chanting “USA, USA,” wearing red, white, and blue, waving the American flag, even waiting many minutes after the game to get autographs. The athletes appreciate the fans and their support, unlike some of the more celebrity-like sport stars. Now, the U.S. has to play Brazil in the quarterfinals for a chance to play either England or France in the semifinals. I’m sure this will be a game that no one wants to miss. Unfortunately, I don’t have tickets for the game, but I know that it will be a special match and I will be watching closely with soccer fans from all over the world.

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[I]Zoe Jewell is a member of the CNMI national women’s soccer team.[/I]