FRANKFURT, Germany (AP)—Japan has won the Women’s World Cup, stunning the United States 3-1 in a penalty shootout Sunday night after coming from behind twice in a 2-2 tie.
Japan had not beaten the Americans in their first 25 meetings, including a pair of 2-0 losses in warm-up games a month before the World Cup. But the Nadeshiko played inspired throughout the tournament, hoping their success could provide an emotional lift to their nation, still reeling from the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. After being presented with the gold trophy, Japan’s players jumped up and down on the podium, then gathered behind a sign reading “Champions. World Champions.” “Not one of the players gave up,” said coach Norio Sasaki, who inspired his players before a quarterfinal by showing them pictures of the devastation. “The penalty kicks are always a 50-50 percent chance.” After easy wins in their first two games in Germany, the Americans lost to Sweden—their first loss ever in World Cup group play.
Even President Barack Obama was a fan, taking to Twitter himself on Sunday morning to wish the team well. “Sorry I can’t be there to see you play, but I’ll be cheering you on from here. Let’s go.—BO.” The White House later released a photo of Obama and his family watching the game.
But the Americans lost this game as much as Japan won it. Homare Sawa flicked in a corner kick in the 117th minute—earned after 36-year-old captain Christie Rampone raced to clear Yukari Kinga’s chip over Hope Solo off the line. It was the fifth goal of the tournament for Sawa, playing in her fifth World Cup.
Japan had already scored late in regulation to force extra time.
“We ran and ran,” Sawa said. “We were exhausted, but we kept running.”
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