NEW : The Japanese women 's soccer team won the World Cup after defeating the United States on penalty kicks Sunday night , rallying from a pair of one-goal deficits to capture its first-ever world title . The U.S. goalkeeper says she feels `` something bigger '' was pulling for Japan . Both the Japan and Asian teams scored goals in extra time , tying the score 26 -2 . Japan was a sentimental favorite after a devastating earthquake and tsunami . The victory gives the Asian nation its first ever the World Cup title .
NEW : The U.S. goalkeeper says she feels `` something bigger '' was pulling for Japan . Both the Japan and Asian teams scored goals in extra time , tying the score 26 -2 . Japan was a sentimental favorite after a devastating earthquake and tsunami . The victory gives the Asian nation its first ever the World Cup title .