It was a tale of two penalties as the USA reached the Women's World Cup final at the expense of Germany.

Tournament top scorer Celia Sasic missed her kick while USA captain Carli Lloyd scored hers, and Kelley O'Hara finished a neat team combination move off to send the twice-champions through. The USA had recalled Megan Rapinoe and Lauren Holiday after their suspensions, and the revamped line-up was their most impressive so far.

Alex Morgan had two excellent chances in the first half but found herself nervous as the goal opened up in front of her and Nadine Angerer loomed, fluffing both. Germany were strangely subdued, with Sasic, Anja Mittag and substitute Dzsenifer Marozsan all struggling to make an impact.

The first half was interrupted by a clash of heads, leaving Morgan Brian looking very pale and Alexandra Popp bleeding heavily from a head wound. Both players continued in the game after a four-minute delay.

Sasic had the opportunity to put Germany ahead on the hour with a penalty kick, awarded after Julie Johnston hauled Popp down in the box. Hope Solo dived the wrong way, but Sasic placed her kick the wrong side of the post.

Then less than ten minutes later, Annike Krahn was unfortunate to see referee Teodora Albon point to the spot when she fouled Morgan just outside the area. Lloyd, however, made no mistake from 12 yards.

Substitute Kelley O'Hara wrapped it up, crowning some good teamwork by linking up with fellow sub Abby Wambach and Lloyd to prod home with a few minutes remaining.

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