Japan defeated USA to become world champions for the first time after a penalty kick victory in the greatly anticipated Frankfurt hosted FIFA World Cup final match Sunday. After gaining a 2-2 tie in overtime, Defender Saki Kumagai had the honour of hitting home the decisive spot-kick as Japan triumphed 3-1 in the shootout.
“Before we went to the match tonight we had some commentary on television and we heard comments on the situation in Japan,” coach Norio Sasaki said. “We wanted to use this opportunity to thank the people back home for the support that has been given.”
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 American reaction: “There are really no words,” Abby Wambach said. “We were so close.”