July 10, 2011 -- Updated 2353 GMT (0753 HKT)
The United States players celebrate their dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Brazil on Sunday.
(CNN) -- The United States are through to the semifinals of the women's World Cup after a dramatic penalty shoot-out victory over Brazil in Dresden on Sunday.
The match finished level at 2-2 after 120 minutes and two-times winners United States held their nerve to win the resulting shoot-out 5-3 to secure a semifinal showdown against France.
The United States had a dream start when Brazil defender Daiane scored a second minute own goal.
Holders Germany are stunned by Japan
But Brazil levelled midway through the second half when five-time World Player of the Year Marta netted from the penalty spot.
The match went into extra time and Marta looked to have secured victory for Brazil after 92 minutes.
But, deep into injury time, Abby Wambach headed home a sensational equalizer to send the match into penalties.
And it was left to Alex Krieger to convert the winning spot-kick after American goalkeeper Hope Solo had saved from Daiane to complete a miserable match for the Brazilian.
The United States, winners in 1991 and 1999, are trying to become the first side to win the trophy three times, with France now standing in their way of reaching the final.
The other semifinal will be between Japan and Sweden after the Scandinavian side, beaten finalists by Germany in 2003, defeated Australia 3-1 in Augsburg in Sunday's other semfinal.
Credit: CNN (www.cnn.com)
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