Japan earns 2-2 draw with tying goals late in regulation and extra time, then wins, 3-1 on penalty kicks. The victory comes barely four months after the devastating earthquake and tsunami hit the nation.
Japan, riding the emotions of a domestic tragedy and the overwhelming good will of neutral fans worldwide, won the sixth Women's World Cup, defeating the United States, 3-1 on penalty kicks, after a 2-2 tie in extra time.
The U.S. failed in its attempt to become the first three-time world champion, while Japan succeeded in becoming Asia's first Women's World Cup winner — barely four months after the nation was devastated by a magnitude 9 earthquake and a deadly tsunami.
It was the cruelest of endings for the U.S., the happiest of outcomes for Japan, and there were tears aplenty when it was all over.
"Yes, we had luck in the penalty shootout and I definitely got some help from my football god," Japan Coach Norio Sasaki said with a smile. Before Japan's semifinal victory over Sweden, Sasaki had said, "Only the god of football knows who will win."
CREDIT: Los Angeles Times and Grahame L. Jones
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