Alex Morgan made up for knocking the ball off the right post by getting a pass from Christine Rapinoe and beating the Japanese defender, putting the ball just inside the right post to give the Americans a lead, but poor defense by the Yankees allowed Japan to tie the game in the 81st minute.
The goal gave Japan sudden life, and the Japanese responded with a flurry of offense that Hope Solo managed to keep out of the net, allowing the Americans to counter-attack.
The United States got that trademark late corner kick in the 85th minute, and Abby Wambach set up in the goalkeeper's box, but Japan didn't let her factor in the play, clearing the ball as soon as it got in.
America used their size and conditioning to keep the ball in Japan's third for most of the last ten minutes, but it was for naught as the stoppage time wound down and the game headed to extra time, tied at one.