USA 3, France 1 - Abby Wambach, Hope Solo, Women's Soccer Win

Now, it's USA versus Japan on Sunday, for all the marbles.

"France played very well, but there's something to be said about our players and their heart. There's a reason why these players come off the bench and make a difference because this team is 21 players and I'm very proud of them. At times, we didn't play well today, but we found a way to win. Credit to the players’ heart and that's what makes it so wonderful to coach for this team."

For the U.S. women’s soccer team, the 2011 World Cup has been a series of triumphs over a number of obstacles, some their own making. On Wednesday, the problem came in the form of sloppy midfield play against a relentless French team that dominated possession after falling behind early.

But, sparked in part by the 65th-minute entrance of substitute Megan Rapinoe, the Americans were able to repel France’s attack, and in the 79th minute, Abby Wambach struck again.

Wambach, whose miraculous last-minute goal against Brazil on Sunday helped the team stave off elimination in the quarterfinals, scored on another header to give her team the lead for good in a 3-1 victory over France in the World Cup semifinals. Her strike helped send the Americans to the final for the first time since 1999 and raised hopes that the current national team can at long last come out from under the shadow of the memorable squad from 12 years ago.

The U.S. women will face Japan, a 3-1 winner over Sweden in Wednesday’s other semifinal, on Sunday in Frankfurt for the World Cup title.