Associated Press Sports
updated 10:54 a.m. ET April 5, 2012
KOBE, Japan (AP) -Women's World Cup champion Japan beat Brazil 4-1 on Thursday to win the three-team Kirin Cup tournament.
Japan took a 2-1 lead in the 58th minute when Yuki Nagasato headed in Aya Miyama's corner kick. Miyama gave Japan a two-goal cushion three minutes later when she pounced on a loose ball in the box.
Yuika Sugasawa completed the scoring in the last minute of regulation to ensure the hosts edged the United States on goal difference to win the tournament.
Japan and the United States played to a 1-1 draw in the opening match in Sendai on Sunday. The U.S. beat Brazil 3-0 on Tuesday.
Japan opened the scoring early in the first half thanks to an own goal by Brazil's Daiane, who headed Miyama's long free kick into her own net.
Francielle equalized for Brazil on a free kick from 20 meters in first-half injury time.
The exhibition tournament featured three of the top four teams in the world. The United States is ranked No. 1, just ahead of Germany, while Japan is No. 3 and Brazil is No. 4.
Brazil was without Marta, the five-time FIFA women's world player of the year, who was left off the squad to prepare for matches with her Swedish club Tyreso.
? 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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