FRANKFURT, Germany (AFP) — Japan and the United States set up a clash for the biggest prize in women’s football after seeing off European hopefuls Sweden and France by identical 3-1 scorelines in yesterday’s semi-finals at the World Cup.

Asian hopefuls Japan emphatically beat Sweden in Frankfurt, while earlier, the United States used their vast experience to get past France in Moenchengladbach.

Despite their nickname Nadeshiko — a pink flower symbolising grace and beauty — the Japanese are proving no pushovers at Germany 2011 having beaten the hosts and two-time defending champions in the quarter-finals, and are now through to their first final.

Striker Josefine Oqvist had opened for Sweden after 10 minutes but striker Nahomi Kawasumi netted goals either side of half-time while Japan captain Homare Sawa capped another impressive display with her fourth goal in five games.

Earlier goals from Lauren Cheney (9), Abby Wambach (79), and Alex Morgan (82) kept the Americans’ bid for an unprecedented third title after 1991 and 1999 on track. Sonia Bompastor got a goal back for France after 55 minutes.

“They had the advantage of their history, it’s their sixth semi-final in six editions of the World Cup,” said France captain Sandrine Soubeyrand.

“That made the difference. They were more efficient than us, we had a lot of chances. What we achieved will hit me later but now I’m just frustrated by the match. We need to move up another level.”

Despite the French having most shots at goal it was the United States who went into the locker room with the half-time advantage after Cheney picked up a Heather O’Reilly cross to tap effortlessly into goal after nine minutes.

But Bompastor grabbed the equaliser after 55 minutes as her shot flew past a waiting Gaetane Thiney in the box to curl in off the far post and into the net.

And for the second straight game Wambach scored a decisive header, this time after 79 minutes as she rose high to blast a Cheney corner past France goalie Berangere Sapowicz who was left helpless again three minutes later by a goal from substitute Morgan.

US coach Pia Sundhage said she made tactical errors, but the decision to bring on substitute midfielder Megan Rapinoe had proved decisive.

In Frankfurt, there was no hint of the Japanese domination to come when Oqvist drilled home her shot after 10 minutes past Japan goalkeeper Ayumi Kaihori.

World number one team the United States, who are also the reigning and three-time Olympic champions, meet fourth-ranked Japan in the final here next Sunday.