The Associated Press

CARSON, Calif. - Germany won the Women's World Cup 2-1 over Sweden on Nia Kuenzer's header in the eighth minute of overtime Sunday.

A substitute who came on 10 minutes earlier, Kuenzer soared high to deflect Renate Lingor's long free kick over the outstretched arm of goalkeeper Caroline Joensson, who was brilliant all day.

"I was confused," Kuenzer said of her goal. "I wasn't sure what happened, and then my teammates are jumping on top of me, and we are all on the ground."

The pro-Sweden crowd cheered and chanted for the Swedes even as the German team stood on a podium, jumping up and down as they received their championship medals.

Germany's first women's world title came in the same fashion when it beat Sweden in the 2001 European Championship final - on an overtime goal. Germany's men have won three World Cups.

German captain Bettina Wiegmann and forwardMaren Meinert played in their final game for their country and both were outstanding.

"This is my greatest day," Wiegmann said.

The Swedes decried the officiating. Sweden coach Marika Domanski Lyfors was livid with referee Floarea Ionescu's awarding of the free kick that Kuenzer converted.

"It's harder to lose when it's not fair," said Lyfors, who berated Ionescu on the field. "It wasn't a free kick and everyone saw it. I don't know how she could call it."