Just when things were really starting to look dark and dreary for the United States - much like the weather in and around the pitch - defeat didn't rear her ugly head.
Rather, Abby Wambach elevated hers.
Wambach got above the French defense in the box, and Lauren Cheney - who'd scored the opening goal for the Americans - put a picture-perfect swing from the corner onto Wambach's forehead, who knocked it past Berangere Sapowicz to put the Americans ahead for good in the 79th minute
Alex Morgan, who came into the game in relief of Amy Rodriguez at the 56th minute, added another tally on the end of a breakaway run just three minutes later, icing the game and putting away a French squad that had played a remarkably resilient game, taking advantage of the tactical shortcomings of Pia Sundhage and the United States.
The American women will now await the winner of the Sweden vs. Japan match to be played later this afternoon in Sunday's final at 2:45 in Frankfurt.