Inspired Japan defeats Team U.S.A.

Carrying the weight of a devastated nation, Japan prevails during penalty kicks (3-1) to win the 2011 Women's World Cup. Japan had never beaten a U.S. women's soccer team 0-22-3. Finding themselves down twice during the match Japan managed to tie the game 2-2 during the late stages of the match. The U.S. had just pulled a miracle act themselves coming from behind to defeat Brazil one week ago during the penalty kick stage. Japan set the tone with Kaihori stopping the first U.S. PK attempt by Shannon Boxx(7). Abby Wambach was the lone U.S. player to score a penalty goal. This would not be a repeat of the 1999 finals. The focus now shifts to the qualifying rounds for the 2012 Olympic Games in London.