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Women’s World Cup Heats Up In Finals

Sometimes others must step up. Sometimes a little luck – and technology – is involved.

That combination helped the United States Women’s National Team to a 2-1 triumph over England on Tuesday and into a berth Sunday for the Women’s World Cup championship.

Standout Megan Rapinoe (hamstring) was a no-go for the U.S. Christen Press and Alex Morgan scored for the U.S. and keeper Alyssa Naeher saved a penalty as 53,512 watched in Lyon, France.

“She shone tonight. She was the brightest,” U.S. coach Jill Ellis said of Naeher.

England also saw a goal by Ellen White taken down after a replay review that ruled offside on the play. The VAR system has been controversial, but even a wee bit offside is still offside.

The U.S. will play the winner of Wednesday’s semifinal between the Netherlands and Sweden. The former are reigning European champions; the U.S. beat Sweden in the final game of group play. The U.S. seeks a second consecutive WWC title.

England will play Saturday in the third-place game and its players’ attention will soon shift to what’s ahead.

“We’ll have to allow 24 to 48 hours for this to sink in, for them to get over the disappointment,” England coach Phil Neville said.

Note: The blog takes a day off for July 4 and returns Friday with your weekend TV sports viewing guide.