Published 7/13/2011 2:12:04 PM by Shane Barrow from soccermogul

And the magic continues.  The US Women have touched a country and their World Cup run will continue after a stirring 3-1 victory over a talented side from France.  The US had the superior striker in Abby Wambach, the superior keeper in Hope Solo and the superior coach in Pia Sundhage.

Despite having bossed the game for almost an hour France had nothing to show in the end.  While France got the better of the midfield the Americans were simply better in the 18s where it really counts.  Strong defense and goalkeeping in the defensive 18 and stronger finishing at the other end.  

The US got another early goal.  This time it was a beauty as Heather O'Reilly blew down the left side and put a perfect near post ball into the path of Lauren Cheney who flicked the ball home.  From there it was France on the front foot as they peppered Hope Solo with shot after shot.  Solo was up to the task though as she continues to prove why she is the best keeper on the planet.

France were unable to get the match tied and 45 minutes ended with the Americans ahead.  The Europeans were up for the fight though and they emerged from the break with renewed purpose.

It was all one way traffic as the French midfield won every ball and kept the US defense on their heels.  The tying goal would come in the 55th minute and it was more than deserved.  A good ball to the backpost from Sonia Bompastor froze Hope Solo who had to hold her ground due to the forward runs.  The ball skipped through untouched and went into the backnet.

From there US coach Pia Sundhage worked her magic.  The match began to shift when Megan Rampinoe came on for Carli Lloyd.  Lauren Cheney went into the middle and suddenly the momentum was changing.  Next came the deft substitution bringing on young, speedy Alex Morgan up front which helped keep France honest.  Then the goal came.  And it came through the heart of the squad Abby Wambach.

A perfect corner from Cheney found Wambach on the backpost where she pounded home the header from close range.  The US were on its way and France looked stunned.  Somehow they were behind despite being the better team for long stretches.  The final dagger would come just minutes later as Alex Morgan got in behind and calmly flicked home for the 3-1 victory.

The dream lives on and the magical American women will now face either Sweden or Japan on Sunday afternoon for the FIFA World Cup title.

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