US advances to final in Women's World Cup

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) - The U.S. beat England 2-1 late Tuesday at Stade de Lyon in France to advance to the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup final.

Team USA took an early lead against England in the semi-final match as U.S. forward Christen Press scored the opening goal with a header that got past England goalkeeper Carly Telford.

But England netted the equalizer in the 19th minute as forward Ellen White flicked the ball into the net after her teammate Beth Mead's cross.

U.S. forward Alex Morgan knocked in a header in the 31st minute, giving her team the lead again. Morgan, 30, scored on her birthday.

The U.S. led the first half 2-1.

England's equalizer in the 67th minute was cancelled after an official consulted the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) and determined that White was offside.

England were awarded a penalty in the 83rd minute after a VAR investigation determined that White was fouled inside the penalty area.

But English defender Steph Houghton missed the penalty.

Near the end of the match, English defender Millie Bright was sent off after a foul, so the Lionesses were down to 10 players as England ran out of hope.

Securing the lead, team USA advanced to the World Cup final on July 7.

Meanwhile, England will play a match for third place on July 6.

The U.S. team -- also known as the Stars and Stripes -- will face the Netherlands or Sweden in the final.