Japan Women's Soccer Team unfurls banner & wins title -- U.S. Women score 2 goals and 1 penalty kick only

Japan stunned the Americans in a riveting Women's World Cup final, beating them 3-1 on penalty kicks Sunday after coming from behind twice in a 2-2 tie. Goalkeeper Ayumi Kaihori made two brilliant saves in the shootout.
After each game, the team unfurled a banner saying, "To our Friends Around the World -- Thank You for Your Support." On Sunday, they did it before the match and afterward they had a new sign to display: Champions -- and the first Asian country to win this title.

The Americans found it all too hard to grasp. They believed they were meant to be World Cup champions after their rocky year -- needing a playoff to qualify, a loss in group play to Sweden, the epic comeback against Brazil. They simply couldn't pull off one last thriller.
"The players were patient, they wanted to win this game," Sasaki said. "I think it's because of that the Americans scored only two goals."
While Japan celebrated at midfield, the Americans stood as a group and watched.
"There are really no words," Abby Wambach said. "We were so close."