The Stars and Stripes goalkeeper saved a late penalty to ensure her nation a 2-1 over England, earning them a ticket to the final.

With only six minutes remaining from normal time, England were awarded a crucial penalty. This was the decisive moment in Tuesday's semi-final clash between the USA and the Three Lionesses in their FIFA Women's World Cup showdown.

The reigning champions were leading 2-1 at this moment but the momentum favored Phil Neville's side and had the game gone into extra-time, England could have clinched a ticket to the final. Captain Steph Houghton stepped up but her effort was saved by Alyssa Naeher in what was the fatal blow to the European giants' hopes.

It was a poor spot kick from the skipper but one that needed saving nonetheless and the 31-year-old shot-stopper got it right. This moment of magic from the goalkeeper drew praise and comparison with legendary custodian Hope Solo.

After the final whistle, Naeher gave her thoughts on being likened with the two-time Olympic gold medalist and 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup winner. Speaking to Live Soccer TV, Alyssa refused to be drawn in by the comparisons.

"I don't get wrapped up in the comparisons," she told Live Soccer TV.

Naeher became the first USA goalkeeper to save a non-shootout penalty at the Women's World Cup 

"I've said from the beginning that I just try to be me. My goal every day is being a better person, a better player than I was yesterday. To me, it's not about comparisons. It's not going to help the team win here in 2019. How can I help the team win a gold medal is my only focus."

USA are now through to the final where they will face either Sweden or Netherlands. A lot of work is left before the Stars and Stripes can lift the trophy for a second consecutive, especially in defense.

Jill Ellis' side are yet to keep a clean sheet in the knockout stage, and while it's important to note that they have faced three of the world's top-ten ranked women's side since the group stage, including England (3) and France (4), back-up goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris touched on this topic after Tuesday's win.

"You're talking about an incredible English side," she told our Digital Content and Social Media manager Angela Asante, who is covering the Women's World Cup live from France.

"I haven't seen a game like that [England vs USA] in a really long time. I've been to the whole tournament and was really impressed with England and we knew it was going to be difficult. They have been stringing together an unbelievable attacking presence that we had to be ready for and we gotta look back at the team. 

"There were a few times when it went back to VAR and I don't know what happened but we need to be better. We can't concede goals like that if we're going to win this tournament so we've got to tighten up some things."

The Orlando Pride goalkeeper believes that tiredness crept in and took its toll on both sides but is proud of her team-mates, who have secured a third consecutive final berth. Fatigue lurks but Harris has called for "mental toughness" in their campaign to bring the title back home.

"I think you could see some tired legs on both sides of the ball but we're deep in the tournament now and honestly, it comes down to mentality at this point. 

Harris, who is yet to make an appearance at France 2019, gives her thoughts on USA's defense

Ashlyn Harris, USA, FIFA Women's World Cup

"When you're this far in the tournament and you're going into the seventh game in a short amount of time, it's all about mental toughness and you're going to have to see that moving forward from whoever is going to win.

"I'm excited; we're up for the challenge. Now it's about resting and recovering. I'm very proud of this team and it was an unbelievable save from Alyssa Naeher."

All focus will shift to July 7, with that day being the date of the final. Preparation has likely begun and the manager will be gearing up for a tough showdown. All that's left is confirmation on who they will face between Sweden and the Netherlands.