Japan beat Japan 3 -1 in penalty shootout after Women 's World Cup final ends in 2 -2 draw . They then denied the hosts a third success by winning the quarterfinal 1-0 in extra-time before beating Sweden 3-1 in the semis . Americans , seeking record first title , miss first 2 spot-kicks in Japan . Japan become first Asian team to win tournament , having never won Asian title . U.S. concede equalizers at the end of regulation and extra-time periods .
Japan beat Japan 3 -1 in penalty shootout after Women 's World Cup final ends in 2 -2 draw . Americans , seeking record first title , miss first 2 spot-kicks in Japan . Japan become first Asian team to win tournament , having never won Asian title . U.S. concede equalizers at the end of regulation and extra-time periods .