Japan celebrate first victory

Japan became the first Asian nation to win the Women’s World Cup, beating the USA in a penalty shoot-out on Sunday.

After the match finished 2-2 following extra time, the USA missed their first three penalties, and Japan were crowned world champions when Saki Kumagai slotted her spot-kick high past the USA goalkeeper Hope Solo.

It was a sad end for the USA, who were just three minutes away from becoming the first country to lift the cup three times, only for Japan to equalise for the second time in a thrilling final.

But it was a night of joy for Japan and their captain, Homare Sawa, 32, who flicked a corner through a jumble of players and past Solo in the 117th minute to take the contest to penalties.

“We ran and ran – we were exhausted but we kept running,” said Sawa, the top scorer in the tournament with five goals.

“Not one of the players gave up,” the coach, Norio Sasaki, said. “The penalty kicks are always a 50-50 chance.”

“The players were patient, they wanted to win this game and I think it’s because of that the Americans scored only two goals,” Sasaki said.

“Considering the current situation in Japan, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support, and in particular for the support we received from Germany.”

USA coach, Pia Sundhage, was unable to explain the penalty misses.

“Sometimes in, sometimes out,” she said. “A couple of mistakes and we let them in the game.”

“It’s hard to lose with PKs. We couldn’t put away our chances. It’s a small difference between winning and losing.”

Both US goalkeeper Hope Solo and striker Abby Wambach praised Japan.

“As much as I wanted this, if there’s any team I could have given this to it’s Japan. So I’m happy for them,” Solo said.

“It’s obviously heartbreaking,” Wambach said.

“Japan played well, they never gave up. We had chances throughout the game and we didn’t put them away.”