For a game that was watched in the hundreds of millions around the world, the USA and England played out a classic in Lyon that saw the US side march on to the World Cup final as the Lionesses fell at the last.
The hot weather did nothing to sate either side's desire to get the result they needed, with the game beginning in frenetic fashion and the Americans keeping their record of scoring in every game before the fifteen-minute mark.
Christen Press opened the scoring for a USA side, with a bullet header from a cross from the right-hand side.
Ellen White equalised after 19 minutes with a deft half-volley, following Bethany Mead's marauding run down the left wing.
The Lionesses' goal came against the run of play, but England looked very dangerous on the break as the USA committed players in search of the lead.
Alex Morgan regained the lead for the US with a deft header after a beautiful move from the Americans, combining down the left to make their dominance pay dividends, before the interval.
The second half was a touch more subdued to begin with, with the Americans happy to conserve their lead and England struggling to break down a side with seemingly superior pace and power.
England had a goal disallowed as Ellen White was adjudged to have been offside following a slide-rule pass that she tucked away one-on-one.
A VAR check showed that she had in fact been offside, but showed a vulnerability at the heart of the USA defence that England looked to exploit.
But it was VAR in England's favour where the game hinged, as the Lionesses were awarded a contentious penalty as Ellen White was judged to have been fouled.
The subsequent kick was a tame attempt by Manchester City's Steph Houghton, who rolled one into the arms of Alyssa Naeher.
Things went from bad to worse for England two minutes later, as Millie Bright was sent off for a second yellow for an over-the-ball challenge in the 87th minute.
Phil Neville's side put in a spirited display, but ultimately fell short against a side that look destined to win a successive World Cup, against either Holland or Sweden who play tomorrow.
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