U.S. team advances to Women's World Cup final

Sports

U.S. team advances to Women's World Cup final

The U.S. women had plenty to celebrate after beating France 3-1 to advance to the Women's World Cup final. It is their first appearance in the championship since the 1999 team won it all.

The U.S. women had plenty to celebrate after beating France 3-1 to advance to the Women's World Cup final. It is their first appearance in the championship since the 1999 team won it all.

The United States' Lauren Cheney (right) and France's Elise Bussaglia battle for possession early in the game.

France goalkeeper Celine Deville gives up the game's first goal to Lauren Cheney only nine minutes in.

The United States' Heather O'Reilly is psyched by the 1-0 lead.

Heather O'Reilly hugs teammate Lauren Cheney after the first goal.

France's Gaetane Thiney watches her shot on goal ...

... which gets past U.S. goalkeeper Hope Solo to tie the game at 1 in the 55th minute.

France's Elise Bussaglia and Gaetane Thiney celebrate, but it would be short lived.

In the 79th minute, Abby Wambach breaks the tie with a monstrous header off of a Lauren Cheney corner kick. It was Wambach's third goal of the tournament and gave the United States a lead it wouldn't relinquish.

After the ball went in, Abby Wambach lets out a scream ...

... slides across the pitch on her knees ...

... and is mobbed by her happy teammates.

A veteran of three World Cup teams, Abby Wambach reminds her teammates to stay focused after her goal.

Alex Morgan gets the ball past France goalkeeper Berangere Sapowicz in the 82nd minute for the United States' third goal.

Lauren Cheney picks up World Cup rookie Alex Morgan as they celebrate the insurance goal, her first.

U.S. coach Pia Sundhage throws her arms in the air after injury time expires. She had high praise for Abby Wambach. "Abby, she's just the best. I'm very happy to have her on our team. Great."

U.S. player Lauren Cheney and France's Gaetane Thiney shake hands after the semifinal , showing the good sportmanship one likes to see in international competition.

The United States is well represented by its fans, including an Uncle Sam.

U.S. fans enthusiastically sing the "Star-Spangled Banner" before the match begins.

A lot of guys in the stands competed for the attention of goaltender Hope Solo ...

... with a few marriage proposals among them.

1/21

The U.S. women had plenty to celebrate after beating France 3-1 to advance to the Women's World Cup final. It is their first appearance in the championship since the 1999 team won it all.

Today's Gallery Headlines

Spring Training Day 2 (Wednesday)

PHOTOS: Braves settle into day 2 of spring training

Spring Training Day 1

PHOTOS: Braves arrive for spring training

Kennesaw State University new baseball facility

PHOTOS: A look at Kennesaw State baseball's new home

Georgia students organize protests against ICE after Minnesota killings

PHOTOS: Snellville's Brookwood High School students rally and march against ICE

More Galleries

atlanta hawks, boston celtics

PHOTOS: Hawks fall at home to Celtics

Georgia basketball vs. Arkansas

PHOTOS: No. 21 Georgia holds off No. 17 Arkansas in men's basketball

aajc 011626 buford nc ceremony

Buford football holds ceremony to celebrate its consensus national championship

New Falcons president of football Matt Ryan

PHOTOS: Matt Ryan introduced as Falcons President of Football