Japan beat USA to win women’s World Cup

Japan twice came from behind to win the women’s World Cup for the first time on Sunday, beating the United States 3-1 on a penalty shoot-out after the final had finished 2-2 in extra-time.

Japan captain Homare Sawa, who won the tournament’s golden boot, kept her side in the game with a header in the 117th minute after US striker Abby Wambach had put her side ahead early in extra-time after the two sides were locked at 1-1 over 90 minutes. “I cannot believe this,” said 32-year-old Sawa, who was playing at her fifth World Cup.

“We never gave up and played until the last minute, I just kept running until the last moment. We have given all we had.

“I have always aimed to become world number one and it is hard to believe this is real, but I feel happy.

“This is the first solid result in my five World Cups and I will go home with the gold medal.”

The Japanese had defender Azusa Iwashimizu sent off in the 121st minute for a foul on US striker Alex Morgan.

“Our team was very focused and very organised, but it was our first final, so we didn’t really get into the game,” admitted Japan coach Norio Sasaki.

“At the end of the day, all’s well that ends well. We had lots of messages of support from our home country, thank you very much and thanks to the team.”

In the dramatic shoot-out, Japan goalkeeper Ayumi Kaihori saved two penalties before defender Saki Kumagai hit the winning spot-kick.

“We have some very good players on the team and that is why we won the final.”

“It is all down to the players in front of me, it was a team effort,” said Kaihori.

“I got support during the shoot-outs because the Americans missed a couple.

AFP