The United States fought back to claim a dramatic 2-1 victory over Germany in Christchurch tonight and set up a women's under-17 World Cup soccer final against North Korea.
In a terrific match that would have made a worthy decider, the US produced their best performance of thetournament to edge out the European champions in front of a crowd of 8000 at QEII Stadium.
They will face a classy North Korean side who were also deserved 2-1 victors, over England in the first semi.
The final is at North Harbour Stadium on Sunday.
The Americans started poorly, with Alexandra Popp rewarding Germany's greater early enterprise through a fine headed goal in the seventh minute.
Bouncing back to dominate the first half, the US struck the woodwork four times before the break.
Reward for their pressure finally came after 63 minutes when Germany goalkeeper Anna Sarholz flapped at a deep cross from substitute Erika Tymrak, allowing Vicki Di Martino to preserve her record of scoring in every game in the tournament by poking home from close range.
Courtney Verloo scored the winner 10min from fulltime, sweeping the ball into the net from close range after Amber Brooks had hit the bar and Julia Roberts scuffed her attempt to convert the rebound.
England, who will face Germany in Sunday's third-four playoff, left themselves with too much to do after falling two goals behind in the first half.
