Japan have won the 2011 Women’s World Cup with a 3-1 win on penalties against the United States, after a thrilling final that ended 2-2 after extra time. The Nadeshiko did well to force the extra session, as the US had most of the attacking opportunities and took the lead when substitute Alex MORGAN received a long ball from Megan RAPINOE and finished in the 69th minute. But Aya MIYAMA took advantage of a mixup in the American defense twelve minutes later, firing the free ball past US keeper Hope SOLO. Late in the first overtime period, the US regained the advantage as Abby WAMBACH headed in her 13th career goal in Women’s World Cup tournaments, one short of the all time mark held by Germany’s Birgit PRINZ. Again, though, Japan answered, with Homare SAWA redirecting a corner kick into net in the 117th minute. The Japanese nearly gave it all away in the dying seconds as Azusa IWASHIMIZU brought down Morgan just outside the area. Referee Bibiana STEINHAUS, judging that the foul denied a clear goalscoring opportunity, sent Iwashimizu off. Nothing was created from the free kick, and in the shootout, Nadeshiko keeper Ayumi KAIHORI saved from Shannon BOXX and Tobin HEATH, before Saki KUMAGAI scored the winner to earn Japan their first Women’s World Cup title.