The Sun Rises for Japan

The Women's World Cup Final was today and this one is sure to stand the test of time both in rejoicing and heartbreak. The USA faced Japan and were the favorite heading into the match and it showed early on. The US Women's team had several opportunities to go ahead early in the first half and even put the game away but could not score a goal then. It was not until the second half did Alex Morgan score a goal in the 69' thanks to a great pass from Megan Rapinoe. Japan, however, didn't give up as they would score an equalizer in the 80'. Aya Miyama put it in net after the US failed tot clear it away. The game would remain tied and go into Extra Time.

There the US pressed again trying to get ahead of Japan. Abby Wambach had been silent all night until the 104' when she finally headed in a goal that would give the US the lead. The game continued into the second Extra Time period and the US had a win in sight. Once again, though, Japan refused to go away as Homare Sawa, the captain of the Japanese Women's team, scored a second equalizer in the 117' off a corner kick. The game would end with a 2-2 draw and would go to penalty kicks. It seemed the US had the advantage there but Ayumi Kaihori, the Japanese goalie, would take it away. The US failed to score on their first three kicks with two of them directly because of Kaihori. She made a couple of legendary stops while her side went up 2-0 through 3 kicks. Wambach would make it 2-1 but Saki Kumagai would seal the fate of the US knocking in the third goal for Japan in penalties. Japan wins in PK's, 3-1, after a 2-2 draw and win the Women's World Cup.

A remarkable story of a Cinderella team that could and would. Japan itself has had a very rough year with the tsunami back in the March and the nuclear threats after it. This win out of tragedy is truly remarkable and will no doubt lift Japan's spirits. Meanwhile, the US Women's side sees the Cup slip away again. A sad sight for the US to see their Women fail on the big stage for a third time in a row. It was a sensational spectacle to see the team to get to the final, especially with their win over Brazil in the quarters. It just wasn't meant to be for the US.

As great as the journey was for the US, it was even greater for Japan. They have never made it past the quarter-finals before this tournament and they break that barrier by defeating the two time defending champs and the hosts, themselves, Germany in a 1-0 match that had to go into extras. Then they take out another great squad in Sweden beating them 3-1. Finally, they go into the final against the US, a team they had never beaten before, and win in dramatic fashion. Congratulations on the win, Japan. This is your first World Cup title for either the men or the women's side and it came when your country needed it most.