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 USA, current Olympic champions and leaders of the FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World Ranking, overcame Bruno Biri’s French 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 misplaced pass let in the Europeans to open the scoring in Frankfurt but the star midfielder wasn’t the villian for long. Nahomi Kawasumi drew her side level in the 19th minute and Sawa later redeemed herself to make it 2-1 in the 60th minute.
Kawasumi then struck again just moments later to turn the match on its head and earn the Nadeshiko a debut appearance in the final.
That match now promises to be an enthralling, top-quality clash of styles, as American power and athleticism goes up against the slick passing and skill of the Japanese.
It will be watched by 22 representatives from OFC’s 11 member associations, currently in Frankfurt to take part in the fifth FIFA Women’s Football Symposium.
OFC will also be represented at the final by Women’s Development Officer Emmie Sope and FIFA Development Officer for Oceania Glenn Turner.
New Zealand’s Football Ferns exited the tournament after the group stages, losing 2-1 to finalists Japan and England before picking up the country’s first ever World Cup point with a dramatic last-gasp 2-2 draw against Mexico.