As the USA and Japan get ready to battle it out in the FIFA Women’s World Cup final, Mumbai gals talk favourites, fire and thoughts random on football fandom
What Mumbai says…
Niyati Bharucha, Maharashtra State football player
“I have a new job that involves a lot of travel, but I have made time to follow the game. The FIFA app, has been a big blessing to help me get daily updates. My favourite team Spain is out. But I feel USA will win. I am rooting for Japan to give the match a fight and make it interesting.”
LET’S LIFT: USA midfielder Tobin Heath (l) and goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris (r) celebrate winning their semi-final win against Germany. PICS/AFP
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Shruti Narkar, Kenkre Football Club (FC) player
“I called my cable operator over the last month trying to get the channel which is airing the matches. Sadly, I had to settle for online streaming of matches. I hope the finals are shown. I have been supporting USA through the tournament and am hoping they lift the Cup for a record time again. Their playmaking and team spirit is great and that will help them win.”
FIST UP: Japanese fans cheer their team in the Women’s Football World Cup
Sanaya Anklesaria, Former Maharashtra captain and city football coach
“I have been watching the highlights through the tournament. I was supporting Germany, Japan and USA in the tournament. I am happy with the teams in the final.”
THAT ERROR: England’s Toni Duggan lies on the ground after the final whistle blows in their 2-1 loss to Japan in their FIFA Women’s World Cup semi-final as a late own-goal by defender Laura Bassett put defending champions Japan into the final
Karen Pais, IC United player
“I want Japan to win the final as they have an awesome game. Also, it is great to have an Asian country achieving these heights in football. My favourite player is Aya Miyama and I am looking forward to seeing her play some great football in the final.”
CHEER ON: US fans cheer on the team as they make the women’s football final. PIC/AP/PTI
Danica Rosario, IC United player
“USA will surely win. Carli Lloyd will score at least two more goals and win the Golden Ball. The team has been on top of their game through the tournament and I am confident that they will keep that up in the final on Sunday as well.”
TEAM SPIRIT: Working together is the name of the game for these girls
Ark D’silva, Mary Immaculate Girl’s High School’s under-16 player
“I was rooting for England but they lost in a heart breaking match against Japan. I am hoping they win the third place. For the final my bet is on Japan. Go Asia.”
GET SET: German coach Silvia Neid looks on as her players warm up during a training session at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, as Germany meets England tonight in the bronze medal match
Mili Doshi, Under-16 player from Mary Immaculate Girl’s High School
“Rumi Utsugi and the Japanese team have been clinical in their display of touch football. I think Japan will be able to pull off a title defense with ease.”
HERE WE GO: Japanese players acknowledge the crowd following their entry in the women’s football World Cup final where they will face USA
WARM UP: The under-16 team of Mary Immaculate Girl’s High School, Borivali (W) at early morning practice yesterday. Pics/Nimesh Dave
As told to Maleeva Rebello and Sundari Iyer
Timing of the final
Monday, July 6: At 4:30 am IST Japan vs USA at Vancouver, Canada
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