(Image source: ESPN)

BY NICK GERHARDT

ANCHOR JIM FLINK

Abby Wambach strikes again. The same cast of stars who led the American side to a dramatic victory over Brazil struck again against France, with Wambach, Megan Rapinoe and goalkeeper Hope Solo playing pivotal roles en route to a 3-1 victory.

The US scored early, but a quick young French squad out-hustled the American side, and punched through the equalizer just after halftime. Then, the floodgates opened as the game wound down, with two quick goals by the US.

Eurosport explains--France, despite their superior athleticism, lacked the killer instinct necessary to advance to their first final.

“[The US side] was outplayed for the majority of the semi-final by a fluid and accomplished France side and looked to be in some trouble following Sonia Bompastor's equaliser after 55 minutes...However, France, playing their first semi-final, lacked the ruthlessness required to kill off the experienced Americans.”

After defeating Brazil on the latest goal in Women’s World Cup history, it was more late heroics over France--with subs Megan Rapinoe and Alex Morgan sealing the outcome.

“Rapinoe was a demon of activity on the left flank, beating players off the dribble and sending dangerous crosses into the box. … Then Rapinoe added to France’s misery by providing a brilliant feed to Morgan, the U.S.’s youngest player, who showed tremendous poise in scoring her first World Cup goal.”

By advancing to the finals, Wambach, Rapinoe, and the rest of the US squad join the infamous 1999 championship team with Mia Hamm, Brandi Chastain and current ESPN analyst Julie Fowdy. Fowdy credited the team’s heart--and their head coach’s adjustments after half as keys to victory.

“I think Rapinoe coming in, and then making the switch with Lauren Cheney into the middle was a great change, because what Lauren Cheney did was give them a little more possession, and Rapinoe had fresh legs to try and get in on the flank--and then Alex Morgan, to get that goal and get her confidence going into the final--having that confidence is huge.”

The Americans will face the winner of Sweden and Japan on Sunday, where the United States is seeking to become the first women’s team to win the World Cup three times.