U.S. beat France 3-1 to book World Cup final spot

MOENCHENGLADBACH, Germany, June 13 (Reuters) - The United
States struck twice late in the second half to beat France 3-1
on Wednesday and book a spot in the women's World Cup final
where they will face either Japan or Sweden.     

On a rainy afternoon, the Americans, who won the title in
1991 and 1999 and have never finished below third place in a
women's World Cup, took an early lead when Lauren Cheney flicked
in a Carli Lloyd cross after nine minutes.     

France levelled after the break with a Sonia Bompastor cross
that bounced past U.S. keeper Hope Solo but two goals in three
minutes from Abby Wambach in the 79th and Alex Morgan (82nd)
secured a third World Cup final appearance for the Americans. 

Japan play Sweden in the other semi-final later on
Wednesday.