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

In an intense overtime match, Japan beat the US in the 2011 Women's World Cup Final in Frankfurt, Germany on Sunday, marking its first victory over the US ever.

After Japan tied the score 2-2 at the end of extra time, the three week tournament culminated with a penalty kick shootout. The US missed the first three goals. Japanese player Saki Kumagai scored the final penalty kick, leading Japan to victory with a win from penalty kicks, 3-1, after a 2-2 draw.

A header from Abby Wambach during overtime put the US up 2-1 against Japan before Japan scores with three minutes left on the clock, which sent the match into a penalty shootout.

Considered one of the fastest teams, Japan entered as the best defensive team in the tournament, though the technically-accomplished team has never beaten the US national team before. They have never won a world title, either.

This win marks a triumph for Japan as the nation suffered from a devastating earthquake that hit the country in March this year.

The US had a whirlwind path to the World Cup Finals, including a loss against Sweden in group play and an infamous match against Brazil in the quarter finals. America's last world title was in 1999 on its home turf against China in what is arguably the most famous women's soccer match of all-time.