U.S. to Face Japan in Women's World Cup Final

The U.S. women's soccer team is off to the World Cup final  in Germany after defeating France in tense game on Wednesday,  3-1. They will be facing Japan in Sunday's final in Frankfurt.

It's the first time the United States made it to the final match since the women's team won in 1999 with Mia Hamm, according to The Associated Press.

France and the U.S. were tied 1:1 until the 79th minute, when star player Abby Wambach slammed the ball in the goal after a corner kick by Lauren Cheney. Wambach then screamed and was embraced by her thrilled teammates. It was Wambach's third goal in the tournament, according to the Los Angeles Times.

"Abby, she's just the best," coach Pia Sundhage told the AP. "I'm very happy to have her in our team."

Goals by Lauren Cheney and Alex Morgan also brought their team to victory. Morgan's goal--the final of the three that solidified the win for the U.S.-- was the first for the World Cup rookie.

Japan defeated Sweden later that afternoon in its first semi-final, also 3-1 with a double from Nahomi Kawasumi, Reuters reported.

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