Japan wins 1st World Cup title in penalty shootout

**Chitownhero14** · 07-17-2011, 05:55 PM

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP)—Japan has won the Women’s World Cup, stunning the United States 3-1 in a penalty shootout Sunday night after coming from behind twice in a 2-2 tie.

Shannon Boxx, Carli Lloyd and Tobin Heath all missed penalties for the Americans, who squandered dozens of chances throughout the game and blew a lead just six minutes from winning their third World Cup title.

“It’s obviously heartbreaking,” Wambach said. “Japan played well. They never gave up.”

Japan became the first Asian nation to win the World Cup, doing it with its first win against the U.S. in 26 tries.

The Americans had taken the lead in the 104th minute off a header by Abby Wambach. Alex Morgan, who scored the first American goal, came up with a blocked cross and sent it to Wambach, who was camped in front of the goal on the 6-yard line. Standing a head taller—and then some—from defenders on either side of her, she needed only to nod the ball into the net.

But Sawa flicked in a corner kick in the 117th minute—earned after 36-year-old captain Christie Rampone raced to clear Yukari Kinga’s chip over Hope Solo off the line.

Japan wins 1st World Cup title in penalty shootout - World Soccer - Yahoo! Sports

USA had never lost to Japan until today, this sucks!

**shadow33** · 07-17-2011, 05:57 PM

USA took a page from the Heat book on how to closeout IMO.

**Chitownhero14** · 07-17-2011, 05:58 PM

not a fan of soccer at all due to a lack of scoring but i watched some of this game throughout the day, and it convinced me of how boring soccer is to me...i tried to be supportive for my national team though that counts

**celticfan** · 07-17-2011, 07:11 PM

i have supported the team ever since the Sweden loss... this loss was just heartbreaking... Had the lead and then give up a goal with 4 mins to go in extra time

**Axeman** · 09-05-2011, 03:53 PM

I watched this game and there is no way in hell that the U.S women should have lost this game. for 1 the refs let a goal count by the Japs that there was CLEARLY someone off sides. should have been no goal. the world didn't want the U.S to win this one that is clear.