Who knew women's soccer could have so much drama?
As the favorites against the underdog Japanese in Frankfurt this afternoon, the United States came out and dominated the game in the first half, having many clear chances to go on top, but could not capitalize on them, allowing the team from the nation that has had so much devastation from the tsunami/earthquake/nuclear disaster earlier this year to settle in.
So into the second half they went when Alex Morgan, halftime substitute for the U.S., got behind the Japanese defense to put the USA up 1-0 in the 69th minute. And it looked like it would be enough, as attack after attack fell apart for the Japanese. However, confusion in the backline of the Americans would cost them as Rachel Buehler and Allie Kreiger failed to clear a ball inside their own penalty area, allowing Japan's Aya Miyama to equalize in the 80th.
In extra time, the United States, through an Alex Morgan-to-Abby Wambach (who else) header, regained the lead in the 104th minute. But it just wasn't meant to be for the Americans today.
Off a corner kick in the 117th minute, Japanese sensation Homare Sawa flicked in a golazo to send the final to a penalty kick shootout.
That's where the USA imploded, missing three straight to go down 2-1, before Saki Kumagai won it for Japan.
Full match highlights available on FIFA.com
So, heartbreak for the United States, but extreme congratulations goes out to a Japan side that deserved the victory, and played an outstanding match.
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