US wasted their lead twice, once in normal time and the other in extra time to concede their 3rd title to Japan.
The USA had all the early pressure, Lloyd with the best effort as her drive from just inside the penalty area flashed narrowly over.
Leading striker Wambach then went closest to breaking the deadlock with a fierce right-footed drive which beat keeper Ayumi Kaihori's dive but thundered off the crossbar to safety.
Japan finally began to establish themselves in the game but, after a training-ground corner to the edge of the box, Nahomi Kawasumi's wild finish over the bar summed up their lack of penetration.
The breakthrough came in the 69th minute from Morgan, who ran on to Megan Rapinoe's long pass, held off Kumagai, took a touch and finished powerfully across Kaihori with her left foot.
But Japan equalised with 10 minutes remaining when Rachael Buehler and Alex Krieger got in a mess defending substitute Yuki Nagasato's cross and Miyama took full advantage to take the game into extra time.
Team USA heroine Abby Wambach's header looked to have won her team a third Women's World Cup but a fine flick from Sawa, off Wambach, takes the final towards penalties.
2 great saves from Japan goal keeper Kaihori won the game for Japan although the forward Nagasato missed with a poor penalty.
Japan is the Champion for Women World Cup 2011!
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