Abby Wambach has looked dangerous throughout the 2011 Women's World Cup semifinals and in the 80th minute, she finally found the back of the net. Wambach had two chances in rapid succession in the first half, just narrowly missing goals each time. But finally, off a corner kick, Wambach got a head on the ball, put it squarely on target and took advantage, hammering home a goal to give the USA a 2-1 lead with just 10 minutes to go.
The US Women's National Team found itself in trouble in the second half, struggling to deal with the attack from the French side. France had been dominating possession, leaving the USA hanging on for dear life before Sonia Bompastore netted the equalizing goal. But the USA suddenly sprung to life, putting together attacks of its own and finally scoring a second goal to take the lead.
And the USA wasn't done. This time, it was Alex Morgan, girlfriend of Seattle Sounders midfielder Servando Carrasco, using her speed to effectively finish off the French. Morgan got loose, using her speed to outrun France's back-line. And then, the 22-year-old finished like a seasoned pro, chipping the keeper to give the USA the all-important two-goal lead.
Suddenly, the USA has gone from the brink of defeat to in complete control, leading by two goals with just seven minutes to play. Thanks to Abby Wambach and Alex Morgan's heroics, the American side is on the bring of a Women's World Cup Finals berth, leading in the 84th minute, 3-1.
For more on the tournament, be sure to visit SB Nation Soccer's 2011 Women's World Cup StoryStream. Stay with this StoryStream for more on Hope Solo and the United States Womens National Team.