Japan's Sawa named Golden Ball winner

Jul 18, 2011 - 5:36 PM Frankfurt, Germany (Sports Network) - Japan captain Homare Sawa not only went home with the World Cup and Golden Boot as the tournament's top scorer, but she was also named the Player of the Tournament as well.

Sawa scored five goals and assisted on another to lead Japan to its first Women's World Cup title, including a goal in the 117th minute that sent Sunday's final into penalty kicks.

A pair of Americans, forward Abby Wambach and goalkeeper Hope Solo, finished second and third respectively in the voting for the award.

Wambach scored a goal in each of the USA's last four games, while Solo was also named the best goalkeeper at the tournament after allowing just two goals during the group stage and making a key save in the quarterfinal win over Brazil during the shootout.

Australia's Caitlin Foord was named the best young player at the tournament, while Japan also received the FIFA Fair Player Award.