The Morning After: US vs. France Women's World Cup Semi-Final

The Morning After is a recurring piece highlighting matches the morning after or whenever we get around to posting it. This edition of Morning After focuses on the US's World Cup semi-final over France to send them through to the final for the first time since 1999.

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By Kayla 

After the dramatic match against Brazil, the US were ready to take on France.  Although probably not as challenging as the Brazil match, France still put up a great fight and had the US play hard for the entire duration of the match.

The scoring started early for the US as Lauren Cheney found the back of the twine, but France were not ready to give up.  France gained the upper hand as the first half waned, forcing Hope Solo to make some crucial saves to keep the US ahead.  Particularly in the 30th minute, France had several close chances to equalize early on, while Abby Wambach had a headed attempt that was just off the frame late in the first half.  Persistence paid off for the French ladies as they equalized in the 55th minute with a Sonia Bompastor goal.

Just as the US ladies looked to be in trouble, Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe were subbed in and brought fresh legs to the squad, helping the US gain control of the game once again.  Shortly after Abby Wambach came through for the US and put them in the lead with a headed goal in the 79th minute.  Alex Morgan set the US victory in stone with a third goal only three minutes later.  They held on for 10 more minutes to win the match 3-1.

Japan also won 3-1 in their semi-final match against Sweden.  Japan and the US will face each other in the final on Sunday, the first ever for Japan and the first for the US since 1999.

Many people will have their eyes focused on the final on Sunday to see if the US ladies pull out another win to take home the Cup, but it seems they want a particular person to be present for their potential win.  In the midst of the US ladies partaking in many telephone and video interviews, the ladies revealed they have invited President Barrack Obama to be present for the festivities on Sunday. 

I'm sure if Obama does attend, he will not be disappointed with this talented group of ladies.  Oh, and at the request of Megan Rapinoe, make sure you have plenty of room for the sqaud on Air Force One for the ride back home.

Images: Getty

Kayla is a writer, co-editor & co-founder of The Captain's Armblog.  She enjoys eating too many sweets, writing, and defending Fernando Torres. Send her digital candies to thecaptainsarmblog@gmail.com