Frankfurt, Germany (CNN) -- The Japanese women's soccer team won the World Cup after defeating the United States on penalty kicks Sunday night, rallying from a pair of one-goal deficits to capture its first-ever world title. Japan had come into the tournament as sentimental favorites, helping rally a nation that had been devastated by a March 11 earthquake and subsequent tsunami and nuclear disaster. For the United States, it was more a disappointment -- especially considering that the team twice relinquished leads. While  the U.S. had the most chances during the run of play, the Japanese  dominated the penalty-kick phase 3-1 to earn the win. The Americans dug  themselves a hole by missing their first three kicks.
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NEW: The U.S. goalkeeper says she feels "something bigger" was pulling for Japan
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Both the U.S. and Japanese teams scored goals in extra time, tying the score 2-2
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Japan was a sentimental favorite after a devastating earthquake and tsunami
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The victory gives the Asian nation its first ever World Cup title
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@placeholder gathered in bars, living rooms and other places rode an emotional roller coaster, their hopes high on multiple occassions only to be dashed in the end.
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The U.S. team, meanwhile, captured the hearts of @placeholder for its creativity, dazzling plays and free spirit.
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The team faced a @placeholder squad that was faster and more tactical than most they'd faced, some American players said.
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The team faced a Japanese squad that was faster and more tactical than most they'd faced, some @placeholder players said.