Top five upsets in Women’s World Cup history

When Japan's Karina Maruyama slotted home a beautifully angled goal to the far post off a long pass, it spelled doom for Germany's Women's World Cup dreams in 2011. The host nation lost in the quarterfinals of the 16-team tournament 1-0 after extra time. The lone goal in the 108th minute was the highlight of one of the greatest upsets in Women's World Cup history. Germany have won the title the past two times, in 2003 and 2007.

Here are some other tasty morsels of upsets in the history of the women's game .

Brazil over USA, 2007

Brazil stunned the United States women in 2007, thanks in part to a bizarre player change. Head coach Greg Ryan put veteran goalkeeper Briana Scurry in as the starter because she had performed well against Brazil in the past. The move created controversy as normal goalie Hope Solo was suspended from the team. In a remarkable turnaround, Brazil demolished the USA 4-0 as they ended the Red, White, and Blue's 51-match unbeaten streak.

Sweden over USA, 2011

Avenging a 2-0 loss from the 2007 Women's World Cup, Sweden used two unfortunate plays to defeat the USA 2-1 in 2011. The first goal was off a penalty kick stemming from a controversial call. The second came off a deflected free kick that was out of reach for goalkeeper Solo. The Americans were the top-ranked women's team in the world until the crushing defeat sent them to second place in the group. It was the first group loss for the USA in Women's World Cup history.

Australia drew Norway, 2007

Although not a victory in the physical sense, Australia tied world power Norway at one goal apiece in 2007 and sent the Aussies into their first-ever knockout stage. Lisa De Vanna stunned Norway in the final minutes to deny them a berth in the knockout stage one game earlier than anticipated. In 2011, Australia did even better by winning matches and going forward with the confidence of veteran players.

Canada over China, 2003

The Chinese were women's soccer powerhouses at one point, even hosting the Women's World Cup in 2007. But in 2003, the Chinese women's team would fall apart in the quarterfinals. Canada defeated them 1-0 to earn a match with Sweden in the semifinals. Charmaine Hooper netted a goal in the seventh minute and the defense let the lone goal stand as the USA hosted the Women's World Cup.

China over Norway, 1999

It wasn't the fact that China defeated Norway in one of the semifinal matches in 1999. It was how they dismantled the world power in women's soccer that made headlines. China defeated the defending champions 5-0 to earn a date in the World Cup final against the USA. The Chinese scored in the third minute and never looked back thanks to the team's legendary player Wen Sun's two goals. Ailing Liu added a pair as well in one of the most dominating performances in a Women's World Cup match.

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