In Pictures: The climax to the women’s World Cup

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]