Japan upsets the United States to win the 2011 FIFA Womenβs World Cup. Japan sealed it in penalty kicks 3-1 after coming from behind twice to tie it 2-2 in regulation.
Missed opportunities seemed to be the theme for the United States in todayβs game as Shannon Boxx, Carli Lloyd and Tobin Heath couldnβt take advantage of their penalty opportunities while the U.S. failed to close out Japan after having the lead in regulation twice.
βThis is obviously going to hurt for a while,β said Abby Wambach, whose only hole in her glittering career is the World Cup title.
Japan hadnβt beaten the United States in 25 meetings including a pair of 2-0 loses in warm-up games a month before the World Cup tournament. The Nadeshiko played inspired soccer and hoped to inspire a nation after a devastating earthquake and tsunami on March 11th.
βNot one of the players gave up,β coach Norio Sasaki said. βThe penalty kicks are always a 50-50 percent chance.β
It has been 12 years since the United States women had won the World Cup. This year they were heavy favorites and the number one ranked team heading into the tournament.
Source: Yahoo Sports, Associated Press
