Women's World Cup: U.S. downs Germany 2-0 to advance to final

   The impossible-to-crack defense almost gave one up Tuesday night.

The United States, unscored upon since its opening match of the Women's World Cup, finally showed some vulnerability about 15 minutes into the second half of its semifinal against No.1 Germany.

Stalwart defender Julie Johnston made a mistake in trying to chest down the soccer ball as she neared goalkeeper Hope Solo. Germany's Alexandra Popp scooted by and eyed a goal-scoring chance. Johnston tugged on her opponent's shoulder with her right hand. Popp got off a half-hearted chip and went down.

Foul in the penalty area. Yellow card for Johnston, one that commentators felt could have been a red card. Penalty kick for Germany and Celia Sasic, the leading scorer in the tournament.

The long goal-less streak seemed certainly over as Solo took a walk away from goal as Sasic readied for her attempt to break the 0-0 deadlock.

It wasn't. Sasic missed wide left in the 63rd minute -- Germany's first miss of a penalty kick during a Women's World Cup match. It had been 17-for-17 before the striker failed.

Six minutes later, the United States was on top when midfielder Carli Lloyd converted a penalty kick for the Americans and a 1-0 lead. Substitute Kelley O'Hara netted in the 84th minute off a Lloyd cross to seal the U.S. team's 2-0 victory.The two-time champions will play the winner of England-Japan, which meet Wednesday.

The World Cup final is Sunday in Vancouver, British Columbia. The U.S. lost to Japan in the 2011 final.The Americans have now kept opponents from scoring for 513 minutes.

Lloyd's U.S. goal came after striker Alex Morgan was fouled near the top of the penalty area, her momentum carrying her into the box. It was Lloyd's third goal of the tournament, her second from a penalty kick.

She was named Player of the Match for the third consecutive game.

Lloyd told reporters she has been "trained to become a fierce competitor, live for challenges and never quit."

She also said that U.S. coach Jill Ellis has given her more flexibility on the field and she is determined to deliver.

Ellis was asked about the controversial calls -- the yellow card on Johnston and the foul against Morgan -- and shrugged them off, saying they are just part of the game.

"I thought it was an unbelievable duel between two tremendous teams," Ellis said. "We're delighted to be moving on. ... Really, really pleased and proud of the players. I thought they stepped up and they did a fantastic job tonight."(CNN)