USA Loses To Japan In World Cup Final

The United States women's run to a World Cup title is over.   

Japan stunned the USA in a penalty shootout Sunday night after coming from behind twice in a 2-2 tie.  The Japanese ouscored the Americans on PK's, 3-1.

It was Japan's first ever win over the USA and it couldn't have come at a better time for a country still reeling after a devastating tsunami in March that left over 15,000 dead.  It was their first win over the United States in 26 tries.

The Americans squandered dozens of chances throughout the game and blew a lead just six minutes away from winning their third World Cup title.

The USA had taken the lead in the 104th minute off a header by Abby Wambach. Alex Morgan, who scored the first American goal, sent a beautiful cross and Wambach headed it home from about 6 yards away.  But in the 117th minute, Sawa scored on an incredible redirect off of a corner kick to send the game to penalty kicks.

In the PK shootout, Shannon Boxx, Carli Lloyd and Tobin Heath all missed their attempts.  While Japan's Kumagai drilled the game-clincher by Hope Solo - ending the amazing run for the American women.

Japan is the first Asian nation to win the World Cup.