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In Pictures
Gallery
In Pictures: The climax to the women’s World Cup
The first quarter-final saw France make it through to the semi-finals for the first time, defeating England after a tense penalty shoot out [GALLO/GETTY]
Published On 18 Jul 2011
18 Jul 2011
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Thousands of fans were left disappointed after the hosts and reigning champions Germany were knocked out of the tournament by Japan in the last eight [GALLO/GETTY]
Annica Svensson of Sweden takes a throw-in as her side demolish Australia 3-1 to face the Japanese in the semi-finals [GALLO/GETTY]
Abby Wambach and Hope Solo celebrate beating Brazil on penalties to reach a semi against France, after Wambach scored a late equaliser and Solo saved a spot kick in Dresden [GALLO/GETTY]
Caroline Pizzala of France is all smiles at a press conference in Moenchengladbach as her team prepare to take on the might of the United States the next day [GALLO/GETTY]
This is the first time France have been in the last four, while Megan Rapinoe and her American teammates will be aiming to reach the United States(***) first final since they last lifted the trophy in 1999 [GALLO/GETTY]
Thirty-three year old Heather Mitts has won Olympic Gold twice with the US but is aiming to get her hands on a first World Cup, having started her international career just after the 1999 win [GALLO/GETTY]
USA fans celebrate as their team defeats France 3-1 with two late goals to reach the final. It is the Americans third appearance in the final after winning titles in 1991 and 1999 [GALLO/GETTY]
The USA meet Japan in the final after the surprise semi-finalists came from behind to ruin Sweden(***)s chance of World Cup glory. Here Azusa Iwashimizu comforts Sweden(***)s Sara Larsson as Japan continue their great run in the tournament [GALLO/GETTY]
USA(***)s Shannon Boxx and Nahomi Kawasumi of Japan compete during a tense final in Frankfurt. The United States twice took the lead only for Japan to battle back. [GALLO/GETTY]
Top scorer at the tournament Homare Sawa (R) of Japan celebrates after scoring her team(***)s second goal that forced the game into a penalty shootout [GALLO/GETTY]
Abby Wambach reacts to losing the final to Japan 3-1 on penalties after Saki Kumagai slots the final shot past goalkeeper Hope Solo [GALLO/GETTY]
Japan celebrate becoming the first Asian nation to win the women(***)s World Cup. After the match they dedicated their victory to those affected by the March earthquake and tsunami [GALLO/GETTY]