USA Loses in Penalties, Japan Wins Women’s World Cup (VIDEO)

Japan has won the 2011 Women’s World Cup. The Japan beat the US team in the final of the Women’s World Cup 2011 after a grueling and gritty encounter that saw the Japanese players put up defensive and scrappy game vs the Americans’ offense.

The Women’s World Cup final between the USA and Japan was scoreless in the first 70 minutes. Though the US women were dominant in the plays, and had more opportunities than their rivals, Japan’s defense was tight. But in the 70th minute of the match, another scoring opportunity was made and the USA did not let it pass.

It was Megan Rapinoe making the play again. Rapinoe’s long pass forward to a streaking Alex Morgan allowed the Americans to score. However, the celebration was brief after Japan retaliated in the 80th minute. A rare mistake from Rampone saw her give the ball away on the edge of the area and Miyama did not let the golden opportunity pass.

The score remained the same until the end of regulation and it looked like it was heading to penalties. But extra time first. Either team must score in the extra time to avoid a penalty shootout and Abby Wambach saved the day again. Wambach headed a goal from Alex Morgan in the 103rd minute and the US team was back in business.

What looked like a won match for the USA again went to a tie as Japan equalized yet again in the second half of extra time with the clock running out. Miyama swings-in the corner from the left and Sawa makes a fantastic run to the near post, her flick clips off Wambach and over Solo into the net for 2-2. The score remained the same until the end of extra time so it was penalties once again. But it was a disastrous penalty shootout for the USA as they miss their first three penalties. A disappointing loss for the Americans.(VIDEO Credit: FIFA/YouTube)

---

DISCLAIMER: Views expressed in this section are those of the readers and do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of The Manila Paper. Manila-Paper.net does not knowingly publish false information and may not be held liable for the views of readers exercising their right to free expression.