Well that certainly wasn't the result most of us were expecting, as hats off to Japan for defeating the United States women's soccer team for the first time en route to winning the 2011 Women's World Cup.
Japan's path of destiny just seemed a bit stronger than that of the United States, as they defeated the United States 2-2 (3-1) in penalty kicks. From an American perspective though it is a bitter defeat as they were the better squad much of the evening in Frankfurt.
The United States seemed poised for the win after Abby Wambach's header put the American on top in the 104th minute, just prior to the break in extra time. However Japan, backed against the wall, answered in the 117th minute on a goal from Homare Sawa, her fifth goal in six World Cup matches. The goal the tied that match came perfectly set up on a corner kick. Prior to the corner, American keeper Hope Solo had been knocked to the ground with an apparent injury. She toughed it out, but when it came to the penalty kicks it made you wonder if she was at full strength.
Once it got to the pk's it was all Japan as they bested the American with three goals to one for the United States in taking the 2011 World Cup. Congrats to a country that has gone through so much in recent months.