Japan beat the US in the 2011 Women's World Cup finals during a penalty kick shootout on Sunday in Frankfurt, marking its first victory over the US during the same year as a devastating earthquake hit the nation.

Saki Kumagai scored the final penalty kick, leading Japan to victory with a win from penalty kicks, 3-1, after a 2-2 draw in extra time. The US team, led by Abby Wambach, missed the first three goals.

Japan, one of the fastest teams, entered as the best defensive team in the tournament, though the technically-accomplished team has never beaten the US national team before.

This win marks a triumph for Japan, as the nation suffered from the most powerful earthquake to ever hit the country in March this year, costing the lives of nearly 16,000 people.

After a loss against Sweden and an intense match against Brazil in the quarter finals, the US team faced another upset since its last win for Women's World Cup Final in 1999 on its home turf against China.

[MUST READ]: Women's World Cup Final Results: Japan Beats US in Penalty Shootout [PHOTOS]

Womens World Cup Finals
Morgan of the US celebrates a goal against Japan with teammate Wambach during their Women's World Cup final soccer Reuters
Womens World Cup Finals
Morgan of the US celebrates after scoring against Japan during their Women's World Cup final soccer match in Frankfurt Reuters
Womens World Cup Finals
Maruyama of Japan fights for the ball with Buehler of the U.S. during their Women's World Cup final soccer match Reuters
Womens World Cup Finals
Japan's Miyama celebrates scoring against the U.S. with teammates during their Women's World Cup final soccer match Reuters
Womens World Cup Finals
Japan's Miyama celebrates scoring against the U.S. during their Women's World Cup final soccer match in Frankfurt Reuters
Womens World Cup Finals
Japan's Miyama scores a goal against the U.S. during their Women's World Cup final soccer match in Frankfurt Reuters
Womens World Cup Finals
Solo the goalkeeper of the U.S. missed to make a save during their Women's World Cup final soccer match against Japan Reuters
Earthquake China Japan Japan