Japan win women soccer world cup 2011

Japan wins 1st World Cup title in penalty shootout

By NANCY ARMOUR, AP National Writer / 19 minutes ago

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP)—Amid the sorrow that lingers throughout Japan, the determined women on its World Cup team may have brought a little joy.

Japan beat the Americans for the title in a riveting final Sunday, 3-1 on penalties after rallying from behind twice in a 2-2 draw. The star of the shootout was dogged goalkeeper Ayumi Kaihori, who made two brilliant saves in the shootout.
All tournament the teammates poignantly reminded the world they were playing for their battered country, still reeling from the devastation of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami.

Winning goalie Ayumi Kaihori of Japan made two saves in the shootout.

They held the gleaming trophy high above their smiling faces as confetti swirled around the podium, flecking their hair with gold.

“Before we went to the match tonight we had some commentary on television and we heard comments on the situation in Japan,” coach Norio Sasaki said. “We wanted to use this opportunity to thank the people back home for the support that has been given.”

This was Japan’s first appearance in the final of a major tournament, and they had not beaten the Americans