Japan defeated the United States 3-1 in a penalty shootout in the final of the FIFA Women's World Cup Sunday in Frankfurt, Germany.

Japan became the first Asian nation to win the Women's World Cup on Sunday from Frankfurt, Germany, beating the United States in a penalty shootout after both sides were level at 2-2 after extra time.

CBCSports.ca's John F. Molinaro writes that of all the adjectives used to describe Japan's amazing run in winning the FIFA Women's World Cup, one stands above the rest: classy.

For a sport so globally dominated by men, what did we learn about the women's game at its highest level? Nigel Reed offers his impressions of the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup.

The players on Japan's Women's World Cup team invoked the slow recovery from a devastating tsunami and earthquake time and again. Whatever they could do, they vowed, they would.

Once the Americans get over the disappointment of coming up just short at the Women's World Cup, they'll find plenty of reasons for optimism.

There were plenty of amazing goals over the past three weeks at the FIFA Women's World Cup. CBC Sports picks out the best 10 for your enjoyment!

CBCSports.ca's Anjali Nayar files her final report from Germany with her final reflections on the FIFA Women's World Cup.

Rogers Sportsnet commentator Gerry Dobson writes that third place match between France and Sweden on Saturday served as a microcosm for the entire Women's World Cup.

The United States seeks a third FIFA Women's World Cup crown and Japan will attempt to become the first Asian nation to win the title when the two teams meet in Sunday's final from Frankfurt, Germany (CBC, CBCSports.ca, 2:30 p.m. ET).

Our panel of soccer experts from CBC Sports and Rogers Sportsnet weigh in with their picks and predictions for Sunday's FIFA Women's World Cup final between Japan and the United States (CBC, CBCSports.ca, 2:30 p.m. ET).

If Japan can get the best of the United States in the Women's World Cup final on Sunday, it will be a storyline fit for Hollywood, writes CBC Sports soccer commentator Jason de Vos.

Eight months after having to win a playoff just to get to Germany, the Americans play Japan in the Women's World Cup final on Sunday.

The U.S. beat Japan twice over a five-day span in mid-May, by identical 2-0 scores. Two months later, the teams will play again on Sunday — only this time, it's in the Women's World Cup final.

Sweden overcame having a player expelled in the second half to register a 2-1 win over France in Saturday's third-place match at the FIFA Women's World Cup in Sinsheim, Germany.