Amidst the bitterness and disappointment that followed a heartbreaking defeat, in a contest marked by more missed scoring chances than one could count, the United States women's soccer team managed to keep things in perspective.

Sure, the relentless Japanese side battled back to beat the U.S. in the Women's World Cup final, in a 3-1 penalty-kick shootout on Sunday after forcing extra time with a late goal in regulation. It was 2-2 at the end of extra time.

But given that it was just four months ago that an earthquake and tsunami devastated the northeast coast of Japan, where more than 23,000 people died or were reported missing, knowing the beleaguered country is experiencing much-needed happiness took away some of the sting of the loss.

"We lost to a great team, we really did," said U.S. goalkeeper Hope Solo. "Japan is a great team that I've always had a lot of respect for, and I truly believe that something better was pulling for this team.As much as I've always wanted this, if there was any other team I could give this to it would have been Japan. I'm happy for them and they deserve it. They played for a lot more than sport."

Added forward Abby Wambach, who scored four goals in the tournament, including a brilliant header on Sunday: "We should be applauding Japan... Japan has suffered so much and needed to win more than we did. I'd like to think that this can bring a little hope and joy to the Japanese people."

Another U.S. player, Carli Lloyd, also chimed in. "If any other country was to win this, then I'm really happy and proud for Japan. Deep down inside, I really thought it was our destiny to win it. But maybe it was Japan's."

The triumph was the biggest news of the day all across the country of some 127 million people. One media outlet called it "a historic victory... The Japanese islands will celebrate."

And that celebration will be going on for a while. Making it even more of a fairy tale story, Japan entered the match with an 0-22-3 record against the Americans. Plus, it's Japan's first World Cup title and the first by an Asian country.

"Japan has been hurt and so many lives have been affected," said Homare Sawa, winner of the Golden Boot (top scorer in the tourney) and Golden Ball (best player). "We cannot change that, but Japan is coming back and this was our chance to represent our nation and show that we never stop working. This is like a dream to us."

Said Aya Miyama, whose goal knotted the score at 1-1, "We wanted to fight (for Japan) and win for you and make you proud of us... This is a wonderful day."

Japan coach Norio Sasaki, who was smiling as he addressed his team before the start of extra time, was even happier after the match.

"Before we went to the match we had some commentary on television and we heard comments on the situation in Japan," Sasaki said. "We wanted to use this opportunity to thank the people back home for the support that has been given.I'd like to thank everyone for their support, and in particularl for the support we received in Germany. Germany is a grand football country."

The crowd of almost 50,000 at Frankfurt's CommerczBank-Arena was treated to a stirring match, about as entertaining and drama-filled as any sporting event could be. But the funny thing is, the U.S. dominated play virtually the entire first half and should have been enjoying a rout before the first 45 minutes had elapsed.

Unfortunately, the Americans frittered away numerous prime scoring chances, so instead of being steamrolled, Japan held on for a 0-0 tie at the end of the half. It wasn't until the 69th minute that Alex Morgan found the back of the net for the U.S.

"We couldn't put away our chances," said U.S. coach Pia Sundhage, whose team was aiming for its first World Cup title since 1999. "We created a lot of good chances in the first half. It's a final. There's a small difference between winning and losing."

And in Japan, they are thoroughly reveling in that difference.

"Japan has so much joy in their country, and I think that's the bigger picture," U.S. forward Lauren Cheney said. "Hats off to them.