(BEIJING, August 18) -- Monday's Women's Football tournament was highlighted by comebacks in both semifinal games.
Coming back from one goal behind, Brazil posted a 4-1 win over Germany in one semifinal. Germany, the reigning world champion, lauched continous attacks on Brazil, and Birgit Prinz's goal gave the team a 1-0 lead. Formiga scored an equalizer for Brazil.
Later, Cristiane scored in the 49th minute to help Brazil overtake the score, and four minutes later, Marta extended the lead to 3-1. In-form Cristiane added another goal in the 76th minute and sealed the victory for Brazil.
Also fighting back from a disadvantaged position, the United States beat Japan 4-2 in the other semifinal. Ohno Shinobu's goal gave Japan a 1-0 lead 14 minutes into the match. With the lead, Japan played conservatively, and the United States gradually took control of the match.
Lindsay Tarpley leveled the score with a close-range shot in the 41st minute. Just three minutes later, Lori Chalupny dribbled past two defenders and scored a brilliant goal to establish a 2-1 lead for the United States.
In the 70th minute, Heather O'Reilly's not-so-powerful volley from the right wing floated over the Japanese goalkeeper Fukumoto Miho, extending the United States's lead to 3-1. Angela Hucles's goal in the 80th minute was a lucky one, as her off-target pass accidentally beat Fukumoto and flew into the net.
Arakawa Eriko's last minute goal came as a consolation to and testimony of Japan's never-say-die spirit.
After the 4-2 victory over Japan, the United States has advanced to the final, where they will go head-to-head with Brazil. Japan will face Germany in the bronze medal match.
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