Japan first Asian nation to win women's World Cup

Japan defeated the United States in a penalty kick shootout to win the Women's World Cup in Frankfurt, Germany on Sunday.
It became the first Asian nation to win the FIFA women's World Cup, after both sides were tied 2-2 after 120 minutes of action packed football.
Japan captain Homare Sawa kept her side in the game with a header in the 117th minute after US striker Abby Wambach's header had put her side ahead early on during extra time after the final finished 1-1 over 90 minutes.
The Japanese had defender Azusa Iwashimizu sent off in the 121st minute for a foul on US striker Alex Morgan.
Morgan put the US up 1-0 when she chased down a clearing pass from Megan Rapinoe and shot from outside the goal box in the 69th minute.

Aya Miyama tied it 1-1 in the 80th minute from only a few yards in front of US goalie Hope Solo. The goal was the result of a chaotic scene in front of Solo, and was finished when Miyama gained possession off a failed clearing pass from Ali Krieger and shot it into the corner of the net.

The US played the second half and overtime without attacker Lauren Cheney, who suffered an ankle injury.