Japan Stuns Team USA to Win Women’s World Cup 3-2

Team USA had already beaten Japan three times this year, but this was the game that mattered most.

The American women, seeking their first World Cup title since 1999, dominated during much of the final game on Sunday. They outshot Japan by a 29-12 margin and a 6-3 margin on goal and led twice. But in the end, after two 15-minute extra time periods, the teams were tied up at 2-2 – and it all came down to penalty kicks.

Shannon Boxx, Carli Lloyd and Tobin Heath, kicking for the US, all missed their penalties, and goalie Hope Solo was only able to save one goal. Japan won when it made its fourth attempt, making the final score 3-2.

The game marks the first World Cup victory for an Asian team.

[NBC Sports]