On an absorbing and incident-packed semi-final day at the FIFA Women's World Cup Germany 2011, Japan and USA saw off strong challenges from Sweden and France respectively to set up a mouth-watering final on Sunday. On the tenth FIFA Anti-Discrimination Day, the Nadeshiko made it through to the decider for the very first time, while the Stars and Stripes booked a third appearance in the fixture.
The current Olympic champions and leaders of the FIFA/Coca-Cola Women's World Ranking overcame Bruno Biri's charges 3–1 in Monchengladbach, thanks to a typically determined and ruthless display against opponents who again won plaudits for their slick passing interchanges. Lauren Cheney put Pia Sundhage's team ahead early on, and after France equalised on 55 minutes and began taking the game to their opponents, a trademark powerful header from the indefatigable Abby Wambach restored USA's lead before substitute Alex Morgan sealed victory.
Later in the evening, Japan's tactical discipline and sublime skills proved just too much for Sweden, who opened at a cracking pace but faded towards the end. Homare Sawa’s badly mis-placed pass let in the Europeans to open the scoring in Frankfurt, but the star midfielder later put her side 2–1 in front, turning the game on its head. The Japanese eventually ran out 3–1 winners, in a match in which Thomas Dennerby's team ended up ruing Caroline Seger’s late withdrawal due to a calf injury.
The final now promises an enthralling, top-quality clash of styles, as American power goes up against the slick passing and skill of the Japanese.
There have been few, if any, more popular and well-known players in the history of women’s football than former USA forward Mia Hamm. A genuine icon of the game, there is little that the now 39-year-old did not achieve in a sparking 17-year international career. Two FIFA Women’s World Cup™ titles (1991 and 1999) and two Women's Olympic Football Tournament golds (1996 and 2004) sit proudly at the top of her resume.
On a personal level, Hamm hit the back of the net on more occasions than any other male or female USA international, and is second behind only Kristine Lilly in terms of appearances. Such is the Selma, Alabama native's status in her homeland, the USA women’s national league (Women’s Professional Soccer) features a silhouette of Hamm on their logo.
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