Women's World Cup 2011: Final Score, Analysis from World Cup Final
By on July 15, 2011
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Japan defeated the US in the World Cup final 3-1 on penalties after coming back twice in regular and extra time to win its first World Cup.
The US dominated the game throughout but missed a host of great chances early on, and it came back to haunt them.
Second-half substitute Alex Morgan gave the US the lead in the 69th minute after a great pass from Megan Rapinoe, and the US surely looked like going on to win it.
Then defensive confusion gifted Aya Miyama the equalizer in the 81st minute.
The US came back in extra time though, and Abby Wambach scored her 13th World Cup goal in the 103rd minute.
But Japan still had the fight in them. Homare Sawa scored her fifth goal of the tournament just four minutes before time to send the game to penalties, though the US did have a late free-kick opportunity.
Then, the US let it go in penalties. The US missed its first three penalty chances (spectacularly), and Solo was only able to save from Nagasato.
It was probably the US's best overall match, but they couldn't score the goals when it counted. A complete opposite storyline of the previous five games.
Japan showed great heart throughout the match, but you have to say they're a little lucky to be hoisting the trophy.
Final Score: USA 2-2 Japan Full-time, Japan wins 3-1 on penalties
Morgan 68', Miyama 80'
Wambach 103', Sawa 116'
Japan wins 3-1 on penalties, but I've got to say the US lost this much more than Japan won it. Japan did well to fight back, but the US crumbled when it counted most in this final.
Missed a host of chances and couldn't close it out late twice and completely choked on penalties.
And she scores it and Japan wins the World Cup.
Kumagai to take it.
Wambach scores to keep US scores alive for a moment.
Japan are 2-0.
Sakaguchi gets it just past Solo.
Another saved needed
The US has choked under the pressure, no doubt,
Heath, the sub, sees hers saved easily as well.
Nagasato doesn't take a great penalty.
And she does, easily.
Solo needs to save this.
Lloyd steps up and she skies it miles over the bar. Landon Donovan-esque there.
Miyama cooly puts it past Solo. Advantage Japan.
And Boxx's penalty is saved by Kaihori's leg.
Abby is revving up the team in the huddle. She's the unofficial captain here. looks like Shannon Boxx will again be taking the first kick.
Each team gets five penalties, if still level after that, it's sudden death as long as both have taken same amount.
US won it on penalties 12 years ago, is the magic still there?
We've got the best keeper, I'd back her any day.
Rapinoe took a penalty against Brazil but has been subbed.
BTW, that was the first ever red card in a Women's World Cup final.
Can't do anything the easy way...
Japan has not taken penalties in this Cup, US defeated Brazil 5-3 in the quarters. Solo is the No. 1 keeper in the world.
But anything can happen in penalties.
Looks like we're going to penalties.
Lloyd, Boxx or O'Reilly to take it. Great position, right in front but a little close. Deflection took it to Heath but blocked.
Two stoppage minutes here.
Free kick to US right outside box. Red card to Iwashimizu. Clear foul on Morgan, last man, obvious call.
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