On WED 13 JUL 2011, the two finalists of the Women’s World Cup were identified. At least one of them was not fancied to advance this far.
» France 01-03 United States: Midway through the second half in Mönchengladbach, les Bleues surely felt they had the upper hand. Sonia BOMPASTOR’s floating cross had skipped in at the far post to equalise, and the French had most of the possession; the US had not even mustered a shot on goal since Lauren CHENEY’s opening goal in the ninth minute. But as in their quarterfinal match, the Americans turned it around in a moment. In the 79th minute, Abby WAMBACH headed in to take the lead – her third goal in as many matches – and Alex MORGAN added another three minutes later. Just like that, the US were in the final for the first time since 1999.
» Japan 03-01 Sweden: The Frankfurt weather did not affect the match; the stadium roof was simply deployed to keep the rain out. Josefine ÖQVIST opened the scoring for Sweden, but Japan promptly found an equaliser that was credited to Nahomi KAWASUMI despite looking to have caromed off Öqvist’s leg. In the second half, though, Swedish keeper Hedvig LINDAHL came away as the goat. She first failed to control a loose ball in her area that Homare SAWA headed in, and four minutes later, she ventured to the top of the area only to see her clearance go straight to Kawasumi, who sent a fantastic chip over Lindahl’s head and into the top corner. Japan are in the final for the first time and will meet the US, and Sweden will lock horns with France for third place.