Japan won the 2011 Women's World Cup in Germany, edging out the United States in penalty kicks on Sunday.

FIFA described the match as two-time world champions USA bidding to complete a hat-trick of titles against the technically accomplished Japanese, who are making their first appearance in the Final and have yet to record a win against the Americans.

The tournament was packed with exciting games and stunning players.

Soccer is known as the beautiful game in many parts of the world, and for good reason. The women of the world cup has as much to offer off the field as they do on. Their accomplishments on the pitch are truly inspiring, but sometimes it's OK to look at more than just the action on the field.

International competition allows different cultures to meet and share experiences. There is nothing better than the World Cup. If only it happened more often than every four years!

Hope Solo
Hope Solo (L), goalkeeper of the U.S. women's soccer team, looks after her belly piercing after she was hit by a ball during a practice session for the upcoming final of the women's soccer World Cup in Frankfurt July 15, 2011. REUTERS
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Madeleine Giske; Norway --- Giske heads the ball during their Group C soccer match against Ghana as part of the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup in Hangzhou Reuters
Women039s World Cup
JESSICA LANDSTROM; Sweden--- Landstrom celebrates scoring against Norway's Christensen during Algarve Women's Soccer Cup match in Vila Real de San Antonio Reuters
Women039s World Cup
Kim Kulig; Germany --- Kulig speaks to journalists as she arrives at the team hotel ahead of the women's soccer World Cup 2011 in Berlin Reuters
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Kyah Simon; Australia --- Simon (R) challenges Norway's Stensland during their Women's World Cup Group D soccer match in Leverkusen Reuters
Women039s World Cup
Laure Boulleau; France --- Boulleau applauds after the end of her team's Women's World Cup third place soccer match against Sweden in Sinsheim Reuters
Women039s World Cup
Alex Morgan; United States --- Morgan of the U.S. reacts during game against Japan at their Women's World Cup final soccer match in Frankfurt Reuters
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