USA vs France 2011: Live Blog of The Women's World Cup Semi

USA has defeated France in the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup semifinal 3-1 and will play in its first final in 12 years on Sunday.

Lauren Cheney put the US up in the ninth minute, but France didn't back down. The US couldn't capitalize Berangere Sapowicz's poor goalkeeping and failed to have another shot on target the rest of the half.  

France had the better passing and overall play for much of the game and deservedly equalized early in the second half, but super-sub Megan Rapinoe brought new life into the US and put the pressure back onto France.

Abby Wambach proved her worth once again, scoring the go-ahead goal in the 78th minute from Cheney's corner when she got away from her defender and headed it past the keeper. 

Alex Morgan, the youngest player on the team, put the game out of reach just four minutes later when Rapinoe put her in behind, and she chipped it over the keeper.

France will take on the loser of Japan-Sweden in the third place game while the US will meet the winner in the final Sunday. 

Final Score: USA 3-1 France Fulltime

Cheney (USA) 9'  Bompastor (FRA) 54'

Wambach (USA) 78'

Morgan (USA) 82' 

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Team USA takes on France in the Women's World Cup semifinal today in Germany, and the US is trying to break its semifinal duck.

The US has been sent home in the semis of the last two World Cups, while France is making its first appearance in a semifinal in any major tournament.

The US had all the odds stacked against them but even down a player, pulled out a miracle against Brazil on Sunday, but they're hoping not to do it the hard way today.

France's young squad is just riding high on their best ever run of form and hoping they can finally start getting some recognition back home.

Keep it here on Bleacher Report for regular updates on the match and get it on the commentary yourself in the comments section below!