Japan Women

2.81

• 
  40

  4

  3.00

  Ayumi Kaihori

  Could do nothing to prevent the USA goals and pulled off a couple of good saves. Also did well to claim balls aerially to take the pressure off her defense and was immense in the shootout.

• 
  15

  4

  2.50

  Azusa Iwashimizu

  Was not as accurate in her passing as her teammates and was guilty of lobbing aimless balls up font. Struggled to deal with the pace of Rapinoe at times but made some important challenges.

• 
  22

  4

  3.50

  Saki Kumagai

  Played almost in a sweeper role and did well to kick-start attacks from the back with her passes into the midfield.

• 
  20

  3

  2.00

  Aya Sameshima

  Had to deal with the pace of O'Reilly and Boxx and did so excellently. Blocked a number of crosses and did not award a lot of room.

• 
  13

  2

  3.00

  Yukari Kinga

  Got down the right hand side well and got to the byline more than once. However this often left her out of position when the USA counter attacked.

• 
  14

  2

  3.00

  Mizuho Sakaguchi

  Dug in well in and attempted to stand up to the strong American midfield through closing down and solid tackling.

• 
  22

  3

  3.50

  Aya Miyama

  Good late run into the box and took advantage of some poor defending to equalize for her team.

• 
  17

  3

  3.00

  Nahomi Kawasumi

  Showed moments of good trickery and very quick feet. Looked a threat but ran into trouble a few times as the American defense re-grouped.

• 
  74

  6

  4.00

  Homare Sawa Top of the Match

  Was the most influential Japanese player and sent a few very good passes through to the strikers to create goal scoring chances. Did brilliantly against the American defense for the late Japanese equalizer in extra time.

• 
  12

  3

  2.00

  Kozue Ando

  Was neat in her passing but was unable to dictate the flow of the play for the Japanese.

• 
  13

  3

  3.00

  Shinobu Ohno

  Pestered the American defense with her closing down but should have timed her runs behind the defense better and was caught offside on a few occasions.

Substitutions

• 
  18

  4

  2.00

  Karina Maruyama

  Substitute introduced half way through the second half and integrated well into the Japanese passing game.

United States Women

0.00

• 
  37

  14

  0.00

  Hope Solo

  Did not have too much to deal with and could do nothing to prevent the Japanese goal. Distribution was accomplished and it set up counter attacks for the USA..

• 
  19

  11

  0.00

  Christie Rampone

  Was dominant in the air and showed a cool head when under pressure. Perhaps should have done better with the clearance that let to the Japanese goal but organized well and was generally solid.

• 
  17

  21

  0.00

  Amy LePeilbet

  Made two extremely vital interceptions that would have allowed Japan a clear path to goal. Did well on the overlap and sent some dangerous crosses in for Wambach.

• 
  14

  20

  0.00

  Alexandra Krieger

  Was unlucky when the ball deflected of her shin which allowed the Japanese to equalize as all round performance was solid.

• 
  9

  37

  0.00

  Rachel Buehler

  Solid and dependable performance topped off with a determination that rubbed off on her teammates.

• 
  19

  46

  0.00

  Shannon Boxx Flop of the Match

  Solid and steady until the penalties came around.

• 
  18

  11

  0.00

  Heather O'Reilly

  An exuberant performance that was full of determination. Looked dangerous when dribbling but service into the box could have been a lot better.

• 
  13

  48

  0.00

  Carli Lloyd

  Got in between the Japanese defense and midfield often and looked dangerous when in possession just outside the area. Attempted shots and decisive passes whenever possible.

• 
  60

  12

  0.00

  Megan Rapinoe

  Decision making could have been better but showed electric pace a times and whipped a few dangerous crosses in from the left hand side. A great pass over the top for Morgan's goal.

• 
  18

  14

  0.00

  Lauren Cheney

  Was unable to establish a connection with Wambach up front and mainly had to fight for scraps in the penalty area. Was substituted at half time with an injury.

• 
  58

  11

  0.00

  Abby Wambach

  Was a constant threat and bullied the Japanese defense with her pace and power. Showed good movement for her headed goal and was very unlucky not to score in the first half with a left footed shot that crashed against the crossbar.

Substitutions

• 
  107

  5

  0.00

  Alexandra Morgan

  Came on at half time and looked very sharp. Took her goal brilliantly with a wonderful first touch and an emphatic finish.