Japan claimed its first Women's World Cup title after beating the United States on penalty kicks Sunday.
The U.S. missed its first three penalty kicks, while goalkeeper Hope Solo could only save one goal. Japan won when it made its fourth attempt.
Team USA had dominated much of the final, outshooting Japan by a 29-12 margin and a 6-3 margin on goal. But two shots have gone off the post, another went over the crossbar and Japan's goalkeeper made a terrific save on a fourth.
Morgan's goal was a thing a beauty, though.
The Americans were seeking their first World Cup title since 1999. They also won in 1991.
The Nadeshiko had never beaten the Americans — draws in 2000, 2003 and 2004 are the best they've managed in 25 games — and have been outscored a whopping 77-13. They have three losses this year alone to the U.S., including a pair of 2-0 defeats in warmup games a month before the World Cup began. This also is Japan's first final at a major tournament, having lost to the U.S. in the semifinals at the Beijing Olympics.
Japan also has powerful motivation, knowing it has provided some emotional relief for a nation still reeling from the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. The team displays a banner reading "To our Friends Around the World — Thank You for Your Support," after every game, and coach Norio Sasaki inspired his players before the quarterfinal by showing them pictures of the devastation.
