The Women's World Cup drew new fans across the globe over the past month - and Japan and the US served up a final worthy of the occasion. The Japanese had the last laugh with a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw but women's football was the biggest winner on Sunday afternoon.
It was a tournament full of twists and turns, upsets, great goals and adventurous game plans while the quality of the football was at an all-time high level. The final was no different. A technically excellent Japan side came head-to-head with a gritty, physical US team in a match that was always likely to be a classic.
Twice the Americans led and twice the Japanese hit back, including a heroic 117th minute equaliser from Homare Sawa. And so it came down to the dreaded spot-kicks, where Japan's superior technique proved decisive on the way to a 3-1 scoreline.
The end of the shootout sparked wild celebrations in Japan but the women's game as a whole got a timely boost this month. From the powerful Swedes and Germans, to the skilful Brazilians and Japanese to the resilient and focused Americans, there was something for everyone as women's football earned its place in the spotlight.
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