Japan rises to victory in the Women's World Cup for the first time on Sunday, July 17 in Frankfort, Germany, defeating the U.S women's soccer team in a penalty shootout 3-1.

Japan defeated Germany and Sweden to make it to the finals and face the dominating U.S team.

Alex Morgan put the American team in the lead 1-0 just 69 minutes into the game. However, during the 81st minute, Japan took advantage of a weak U.S defense as midfielder Aya Miyana evened the score 1-1.

The U.S took the lead again as Abby Wambach "headed the ball into the net" during a cross by Morgan in the 104th minute. Soon after, a corner kick in the 117th minute was redirected by Japan's captain Homare Sawa, which evened the score for the final time.

Tied 2-2, both teams hoped to gain the championship during overtime: the U.S for the third time and Japan for the first.

Just four months ago the world grieved with Japan after an earthquake and tsunami killed over 15,000 people on the country's northeast coast.

The Japanese team desired to bring pride and hope to its still healing nation. They did just that as Saki Kumagai scored the winning goal during the penalty kicks.

"I feel we have given some kind of encouragement and joy to the people back in Japan. That was always the motivation. We wanted to do something for Japan," said Goalkeeper Ayumi Kaihori.

Although the reigning champs failed to bring home the trophy, the New York Times reports that players on the U.S team cheered for Japan's win.

"Hats off to Japan," said Midfield Lauren Ceney. "They just made their country extremely happy and brought joy to somewhere that was needed and that's the bigger picture."

" ...I truly believe that something bigger was pulling for this team," said Goalkeeper Hope Solo. "As much as I've always wanted this, if there was any other team I could give this to it would have to be Japan. I'm happy for them and they do deserve it."

The Japanese players celebrated as confetti covered the field, holding up a banner that read "To our friends around the world, thank you for your support."