US and Japan qualified for the final of Women’s Football World Cup 2011

Japan stormed into Women’s Football World Cup by beating Sweden 3-1 in the semi-final played at Frankfurt. In a battle of Japan's fine skills against the thrust and hustle of Sweden, the match totally turned in the second half when Kawasumi caught Hedvig Lindahl off her line and lobbed her from 35 meters for the third goal, one of the best in a tournament full of excellent strikes.

Sweden, a perennial power in women's football, never gave up but it was the rising force of Asian football, Japan, which reached its first World Cup final.

Despite their nickname Nadeshiko - a pink flower symbolising grace and beauty - the Japanese are proving no pushovers at Germany 2011 having beaten the hosts and two-time defending champions in the quarterfinals, and are now through to their first final. Striker Josefine Oqvist had opened for Sweden after ten minutes but striker Nahomi Kawasumi netted goals either side of half-time while Japan captain Homare Sawa capped another impressive display with her fourth goal in five games.

Earlier, goals from Lauren Cheney, Abby Wambach, and Alex Morgan kept the Americans' bid for an unprecedented third title after 1991 and 1999 on track. Sonia Bompastor got a goal back for France after 55 minutes. The final will be played on Sunday. AFP

USA's striker Abby Wambach and teammates celebrate after beating France in the FIFA women’s football World Cup semifinal on Wednesday

The final of the Women’s Football World Cup 2011 will be played on July 17.