http://www.lbnelert.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Japan-wins-Womens-World-Cup-beats-U.S.-on-penalty-kicks.jpgJAPAN WINS WOMEN’S WORLD CUP OVER U.S. ON PENALTY KICKS: 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. Japan had come into the tournament as sentimental favorites, helping rally a nation that had been devastated by a March 11 earthquake and subsequent tsunami and nuclear disaster. For the United States, it was more a disappointment — especially considering that the team twice relinquished leads. While the U.S. had the most chances during the run of play, the Japanese dominated the penalty-kick phase to earn the win. The Americans dug themselves a hole by missing their first three kicks.