Despite being outclassed for large periods of the game, they showed a resilience and determination that their coach Pia Sundhage described earlier this week as "unique.Coach Sundhage leapt joyously into the air but she soon came back to earth as Japan, diminutive maybe but swift in mind and fleet of foot, soon took control. The match was played in front of 80,203, a record crowd for a women's Olympic football fixture.Their crisp and accurate passing soon started to slice open the US defence. Solo saved from Nahomi Kawasumi before athletically tipping a header from Ogimi onto the crossbar. And the near full house at Wembley was served up a treat as two teams of contrasting styles produced a relatively open final brimming with passion and skill.The Japanese were unlucky not to be awarded a penalty when Tobin Heath handled Miyama's shot, but the Asian side were also fortunate not to fall further behind when Azusa Iwashimizu, under very little pressure, headed against her own post. Perhaps the pain of last year's World Cup defeat in Germany was still on the minds of the US players as they bossed the opening seven minutes before Lloyd's header - taken off the boot of Abby Wambach as the striker attempted to volley Alex Morgan's cross - gave them the lead.
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