Japan finish off Sweden by punishing empty net from distance

After beating the defending champions on their home turf, Japan came from behind to beat Sweden and earn the chance to play the U.S. in the Women's World Cup final.

Five minutes after Homare Sawa scored the go-ahead goal in the 59th minute, Nahomi Kawasumi punished Sweden's goalkeeper for charging out of her area and attempting to clear by launching the ball back into her empty net from distance. That made it 3-1 and proved to be more than enough to crush Sweden's hopes of a comeback.

So now Japan, who have enjoyed the support and goodwill of the world after the earthquake that devastated their country a few months ago, must try and stop Abby Wambach's fearsome and perfectly timed headers. Both teams very much deserve to be where they are, so Sunday's final should be a good one.