Abby Wambach, the Silver Ball and Bronze Boot winner, was a clear standout for team USA at the 2011 Women's World Cup. After their devastating loss on Sunday to Japan in overtime penalty kicks, Wambach is faced with some harsh realities.

At 31, Wambach may never again have the chance to play in a World Cup.

This has been an emotional roller coaster, Wambach said. We'll go back, play on our respective teams in our league (Women's Professional Soccer). And, the Olympics are around the corner. We'll move on.

For Japan, it´s great, said Wambach, who scored the go-ahead goal in extra time before Homare Sawa knocked in the equalizer moments later. They have surprised. We feel for them and hope it will be a good sign for their country.

For now, Wambach is looking forward to the 2012 Summer Olympics in London where the U.S. team is sure to be a favorite.

Wambach became an inspiration this year, taking the 2011 U.S. team out of the shadow of Mia Hamm and the 1999 World Cup winners.

Here's a look at the soccer star who has become a hero to girls across the nation:

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France's goalkeeper Berangere Sapowicz (L) makes a save in front of Abby Wambach (R) of the U.S. during their Women's World Cup semi-final soccer match in Moenchengladbach July 13, 2011. REUTERS
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Azusa Iwashimizu (R) and Saki Kumagai (3rd R) of Japan fight for the ball with Abby Wambach of the U.S. during their Women's World Cup final soccer match in Frankfurt July 17, 2011. REUTERS
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Abby Wambach of the U.S. (L) falls in front of Japan's Mana Iwabuchi during their Women's World Cup final soccer match in Frankfurt July 17, 2011. REUTERS
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Abby Wambach (R) of the U.S. scores against Japan's goalkeeper Ayumi Kaihori during their Women's World Cup final soccer match in Frankfurt July 17, 2011. REUTERS
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Abby Wambach of the U.S. celebrates after she scored a goal against Japan during their Women's World Cup final soccer match in Frankfurt July 17, 2011. REUTERS
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Maurine (C) of Brazil fights for the ball with Carli Lloyd (L) and Abby Wambach of the U.S. during their Women's World Cup quarter-final soccer match in Dresden July 10, 2011. REUTERS
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Abby Wambach of the U.S. (C) is challenged by Jon Myong-Hwa (L) and Jo Yun-Mi (R) of North Korea during their Women's World Cup Group C soccer match in Dresden June 28, 2011. REUTERS
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