JAPAN WINS WOMEN’S WORLD CUP SOCCER 2011

Japan wins 1st World Cup title in penalty shootout – World Soccer – Yahoo! Sports

http://sports.yahoo.com/soccer/news?slug=ap-wwcupfinal

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP)—Japan has won the Women’s World Cup, stunning the United States 3-1 in a penalty shootout Sunday night after coming from behind twice in a 2-2 tie.

Shannon Boxx, Carli Lloyd and Tobin Heath all failed to convert for the Americans, who squandered dozens of chances throughout the game and blew a lead just six minutes from winning their third World Cup title.

“This is obviously going to hurt for a while,” said Abby Wambach, whose only hole in her glittering career is the World Cup title….

Women’s World Cup: Team USA, Families Cheered on By Presidential Delegation – ABC News

http://abcnews.go.com/International/womens-world-cup-team-usa-families-cheered-presidential/story?id=14092109

As Team U.S.A. geared itself up for the Women’s World Cup championship, the hype was already beginning this afternoon for family members and supporters.

Families of the U.S. women’s national team were greeted by members of a presidential delegation led by Dr. Jill Biden.

As resounding cheers for the ladies in cleats filled the main room of the U.S. Counsel General’s home, revelers felt the anticipation and excitement hours before the final game between the United States and Japan.

“It’s like, what a day,” said Judy Wambach, proud mother of team forward Abby Wambach. “It’s a wonderful way to spend some time. Otherwise we’d be a wreck.”

Abby Wambach has scored some major goals in this tournament, including clinching the game-winner earlier this week in semi-finals against France.

3 videos inside

Japan wins 1st World Cup title in penalty shootout – Soccer – SI.com

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/soccer/07/17/wwc.japan.usa.ap/

Japan Wins Women’s World Cup Soccer Title – Video – WHIO Dayton

http://www.whiotv.com/video/28578729/index.html

PENALTY KICKS VIDEO

Japan Edges USA In Shootout To Win 2011 Women’s World Cup (VIDEO)

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/17/japan-usa-shootout-womens-world-cup_n_901132.html

FRANKFURT, Germany — Japan has won the Women’s World Cup, stunning the United States 3-1 in a penalty shootout Sunday night after coming from behind twice in a 2-2 tie.

Shannon Boxx, Carli Lloyd and Tobin Heath all missed penalties for the Americans, who squandered dozens of chances throughout the game and blew a lead just six minutes from winning their third World Cup title.

The Americans had taken the lead in the 104th minute off a header by Abby Wambach. Alex Morgan, who scored the first American goal, came up with a blocked cross and sent it to Wambach, who was camped in front of the goal on the 6-yard line. Standing a head taller – and then some – from defenders on either side of her, she needed only to nod the ball into the net.

But Sawa flicked in corner kick – earned after 36-year-old captain Christie Rampone raced to clear Yukari Kinga’s chip over Hope Solo off the line.

Japan is the first Asian nation to win the World Cup.

(This version CORRECTS score to 3-1. ) )