Japan Wins Women's World Cup Thriller

(Frankfurt, Germany)
The dream run has by the Americans comes to an end as they lose in penalty kicks to the Japanese 2-2 (3-1).

After a scoreless first half which saw the US women squander opportunity after opportunity, they were able to notch the first goal of the game on a breakaway by forward Alex Morgan in the 69th minute. The blast, which was Morgan's fifth in six matches gave the team some breathing room for the moment. However, the Japanese which took down tournamnet host Germany and Sweden earlier in the week were not going away easily.

The US seemed to play keep away after scoring that goal and Japan was able to capitalize on that mistake. After some sloppy defensive play and a particular play in which centerbacks Ali Krieger and Christie Rampone were unable to clear a ball out of the box so Aya Miyama was able to kick it by goalie Hope Solo for the equalizer.

That score held up until the first extra time period where Abby Wambach did what she does best and headed a cross from Morgan into the back of the net. The game and trophy at this point looked like it was going to the Americans.

AP Images

With under six minutes to go Japan was able to get a breakaway and put a shot on goal that just got passed an onrushing Solo but was headed away. After Solo was helped onto her feet after an injury, which she later mentioned was a time she could have stayed down longer to try and slow down the Japanese offensive. This would prove to be costly as Homare Sawa, who was later crowned leading goal scorer of the tournament placed a great header off of a corner kick into the net.

With under two minutes left in extra time Alex Morgan was taken down by defender Azusa Iwashimizu, who was given the first red card in Women's World Cup history. Nothing came of that free kick or a wide open net missed by Wambach which just cleared the crossbar. The match was heading to penalty kicks.

In the penalty kick's session the first three American players Shannon Boxx, Carli Lloyd and Tobin Heath missed their kicks. Abby Wambach was the lone American to score on her kick. The Japanese on the other hand from Aya Miyama and Saki Kumagi made three of their four kicks to win their first ever World Cup title. The Japanese team never made it pass the quarterfinals before this.

From The Sports Mind of RB:
Congratulations are in order for the team from Japan as they were the sentimental favorite after the devastating earthquake which rocked their counrty earlier this year. The US had their magical run end. All could be done now is wonder what could have been and what should have been? Many people wonder if this will spur a soccer revolution in this country as it did 1999?

This story was written months ago but was never posted. I apologize for any inconvience this may cause.

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