2011 FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP – USA vs France and Sweden vs Japan in semifinals – News and Schedule

USA are into the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup Final with two late goals eventually subduing a brave France 3-1 in Monchengladbach, as the world No1 seek to secure their first crown since 1999.

The Nadeshiko fell behind in Frankfurt, but two goals from Nahomi Kawasumi, either side of Homare Sawa’s effort, earned them a deserved 3-1 victory and a meeting with USA in the decider.

USA advanced into the semi-finals of the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup by edging past fellow heavyweights Brazil on penalties in a drama-charged encounter in Dresden.

Sweden became the first group winners to qualify for the semi-finals of Germany 2011 to set up a clash with Japan in Frankfurt after defeating Australia 3-1.

Japan recorded a famous 1-0 extra-time win to eliminate reigning champions and host nation Germany from the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup, with the Asian side reaching the semi-finals for the first time.

France became the first team to qualify for the semi-finals of Germany 2011, defeating England 4-3 on penalties in Leverkusen.

Sweden scored a famous 2-1 victory over USA to top Group C and set up a quarter-final meeting with Australia, while condemning their opponents to second place and an epic match-up with Brazil.

A match high on chances finished 0-0, meaning the North Koreans and Las Cafeteras will both exit Germany 2011 having failed to win a game or score a goal.

An improved second-half showing from group winners Brazil saw them defeat Equatorial Guinea 3-0 at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Stadium in Frankfurt  

Australia have reached the FIFA Women’s World Cup quarter-finals for the second time in succession as Kyah Simon’s double secured a 2-1 victory over Norway in Leverkusen.

A late winner from Perpetua Nkwocha has seen Nigeria defeat Canada 1-0 in an action-packed encounter to claim their first FIFA Women’s World Cup win since 1999.

Germany Silvia Neid’s side emerged 4-2 victors over France in the battle for top spot in Group A, with Kerstin Garefrekes, Inka Grings (2) and Celia Okoyino da Mbabi making the score-sheet for the hosts.

A goal in each half gave England a 2-0 victory over Japan in Augsburg in a result which not only secured three points, but enabled the Three Lions to leapfrog their opponents to the summit of Group B.

New Zealand scored two goals in the dying minutes for a dramatic 2-2 comeback draw against Mexico to secure their first FIFA Women’s World Cup™ point, and deny their opponents a maiden victory on the world stage.

U.S. already advanced to the second round by finishing either first or second place in Group C, it would meet a team from Group D, either Brazil, Australia or Norway, Equatorial Guinea has been already eliminated .

FIFA Women’s World Cup 2011 Groups

Group A (Berlin, Sinsheim, Frankfurt, Moenchengladbach, Dresden):

Group B (Wolfsburg, Bochum, Dresden, Leverkusen, Sinsheim, Augsburg):

Group C (Dresden, Leverkusen, Sinsheim, Augsburg, Wolfsburg, Bochum):

Group D (Moenchengladbach, Augsburg, Wolfsburg, Bochum, Frankfurt, Leverkusen):

U.S. 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup Schedule

CLICK ON SCORE for match reports

What do you think about the tournament? – welcome your comments below