The United States will have a chance to capture their first FIFA Women's World Cup title since 1999 and be the leader in tournament victories won, but they need to make it past defending champions Japan in the final game at the BC Place in Vancouver, Canada on July 5.
The U.S. defeated back-to-back World Cup champions Germany (2003, 2007) in the semi-finals at the Olympic Stadium in Montreal on June 30 to advance to the final game.
The Americans scored two goals in the second half after a scoreless draw against Germany in the opening half.
Germany was awarded a penalty shot in the opening moments of the second half, but the tournament's leading scorer, Celia Sasic, failed to convert.
In the 69<sup>th minute, it was the U.S.' turn as they were rewarded a penalty, and Houston Dash midfielder Carli Lloyd was successful on the free kick to give her squad a 1-0 lead.
Sky Blue FC wingback Kelley O'Hara sent the Germans packing with her first goal in the international stage during the 84<sup>th minute for a 2-0 advantage to seal a berth in the title game.
Meanwhile, Japan escaped a near draw against England by winning their semi-finals clash 2-1 to just be a win away from defending their title.
Japan scored the first goal of the game with a successful conversion by midfielder Aya Miyama on a penalty kick in the 33<sup>rd minute. Liverpool midfielder Fara Williams helped England to a 1-1 draw converting on a penalty shot in the 40<sup>th minute.
England had the better chances in the second half but could not convert any of them. Then in a massive twist of luck for Japan, England's defender Laura Bassett scored an own goal in the 92<sup>nd minute for Japan to advance in the final game.
Bassett was running back towards her goal at full pace and had tried to intercept a dangerous cross heading into the box, however, her outstretched leg only managed to send the ball flying onto her own crossbar, and the ball spun down a foot over the line before bouncing back out again. The incident occurred with just seconds of normal time left, and prevented England from being given any chance to get back into the game. For England it was heartbreak, but for Japan it was time for celebration as they moved into the final, which will be a repeat of the final four years ago when Japan won on penalty kicks.
The 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup Final will be shown on FOX at 7 p.m. ET.
