Another video review went against the United States late in the game when it determined Becky Sauerbrunn had fouled White in the penalty area. England captain Steph Houghton's penalty shot was stopped by a diving Naeher in the 84th minute.

It was the first penalty kick saved by a U.S. goalkeeper in regular time at the World Cup. At the final whistle, the team mobbed Naeher in front of the goal in celebration. Rapinoe gave her a bear hug.

The mild-mannered goalkeeper was asked afterward if it was the biggest save of her life. "Probably up there, yeah," she said smiling.

"It's a special team and everybody fought hard tonight for all 90 minutes. Players on the field, players on the bench, ready to come in and make differences," Naeher said. "Obviously Christen coming in and starting tonight and scoring a great goal was huge for us. And I think it's just a testament to the team."

The Americans have been to the semifinals of all eight World Cups, and they've won the trophy three times, more than any nation. The U.S. team's lone loss in a World Cup title match came to Japan in 2011.

Third-ranked England went through to the semifinals in 2015 but fell to Japan before beating Germany in the third-place match for the Lionesses' best finish in the tournament.

"No words that I can say tonight will make them feel any better," said England coach Phil Neville.

England will play in the third-place match on Saturday in Nice against the loser of the other semifinal. Moments after Tuesday's loss, Neville was already looking ahead — even to next year.