Japan’s Sawa set to quit int’l game

TOKYO — Japan’s Homare Sawa, the reigning women’s world player of the year, is set to retire from international soccer after finishing with a silver medal at the London Olympics. The 33-year-old, who spearheaded Japan’s stunning triumph at last year’s World Cup in Germany, will continue her career at club level, local media reported. “I always wanted an Olympic gold medal but I’ve given everything. This is the end,” said Sawa, who played in five World Cups and scored 81 goals in 186 appearances for Japan. Sawa’s goals were instrumental in Japan’s astonishing run during last year’s World Cup. — Reuters