Japan Beats the United States for the 2011 World Cup Title
The United States lost the 2011 Women’s World Cup title to Japan, first-time winners, after 90 minutes of regular play, 30 minutes of overtime, and then finally the penalty kick phase.
United States took the lead when Alex Morgan scored during regular play, with Japan’s Aya Miyama scoring near the 80th minute, tying the score at 1-1. Two fifteen minute overtime halves followed, in which the United States took the lead again when the formidable Abby Wambach headed-in the second U.S. goal during the first half overtime.
But the Japanese women’s team couldn’t be held down and Japan scored their second goal during the second half of overtime, when Homare Sawa got around a confused defense, tying the game 2-2.
During the penalty shoot-out, the United States missed their first three chances and Japan out-shot the United States, 3-1.
It was a fierce battle between the two teams but fate was with the Japanese women’s team, earning Japan a much needed morale-booster for the tsunami-stricken country.
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