Japan upsets the United States to win the 2011 FIFA Women’s 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 today’s game as Shannon Boxx, Carli Lloyd and Tobin Heath couldn’t take advantage of their penalty opportunities while the U.S. failed to close out Japan after having the lead in regulation twice.
“This is obviously going to hurt for a while,” said Abby Wambach, whose only hole in her glittering career is the World Cup title.
Japan hadn’t 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.
“Not one of the players gave up,” coach Norio Sasaki said. “The penalty kicks are always a 50-50 percent chance.”
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
