Like many soccer fans in Denver, Kosuke Kimura is looking forward to Sunday’s Women’s World Cup final in Germany pitting the U.S. against Japan. But the Rapids defender will be pulling for Japan, which upset Germany in the quarterfinals and Sweden in the semifinals. Kimura is the only Japanese native in MLS.
“They’ve been playing well,” Kimura said. “I think they play (some) of the best soccer out there, for women. They’re just so patient with the ball.
“Most women’s teams, they try to be direct, kick the ball (downfield) and try to get it high up on the pitch. But these girls, they try to keep the ball, be patient and (wait) for opportunities.”
Kimura acknowledges the U.S. women are taller, more athletic and more physical. But he believes Japan can win.
“I think they just need to keep playing what they’re good at: keep possession,” Kimura said. “These girls, they can run all day. Our strength is, everybody on the pitch is hardwork(ing).”
Kimura also said he’s been told officials of Japan’s men’s team will scout him in July for a possible call-up to play in a friendly against South Korea, Aug. 10 in Sapporo.
