In Sunday's FIFA Women's World Cup Final, Alex Morgan scored in the 69th minute to give the United States a 1-0 lead, only to see Aya Miyama equalize in the 81st minute for Japan to force the match into overtime.
In the first overtime period, Abby Wambach used her magic noggin (104') to give team USA a 2-1 lead.
Then, in the 117th minute, Homare Sawa tied it up for Japan at 2-2 to send the game into the penalty-kick shootout.
In the shootout, the magic touch that worked against Brazil in last Sunday's quarterfinal match left Team USA this time, as Japanese goalkeeper Ayumi Kaihori saved two PKs (those of Shannon Boxx and Tobin Heath), while Carli Lloyd's spot kick sailed over the crossbar. Abby Wombach made the only successful spot kick for the Americans, while Saki Kumagai converted what would be the game winner, as Japan won the shootout 3-1 to capture their first WWC title, and their first win against Team USA in 26 tries.
Seen here are happy Japanese players celebrating their victory and Women's World Cup championship.
AFP/Getty Images photo by Christof Stache
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