Germany reached the final of the women's World Cup by shocking hosts and defending champions the United States 3-0 on Sunday.

The U.S., favourites to retain their title, fell behind to a Kerstin Garefrekes header on the quarter-hour mark and despite dominating much of the tense semi-final in Portland, Oregon, could not break down a diligent German rearguard.

Maren Meinert and Birgit Prinz both claimed second-half injury-time goals on the counter-attack to increase American woe, and leave players such as Mia Hamm -- likely bowing out of World Cup soccer after a glittering career -- in tears.

"That may have been the greatest match in the history of women's soccer," U.S. coach April Heinrichs said.

"We had our chances ... but we were playing against a great team. The margins (between success and failure) are so slim.

"I just told my players I'm proud of them, and that I would not swap them for anyone else."

With 12 goals to their name before Sunday's clash, the U.S. were strongly favoured to add to the world titles won in 1991 and 1999.

But Germany, the reigning European champions, have improved through every stage of this year's tournament in search of a maiden world crown.

ROTTENBERG SHINES

It took 15 minutes for Garefrekes to break the deadlock, directing a header in off the underside of the crossbar from Renate Lingor's inswinging corner.

Thereafter, Germany were overworked in repelling wave after wave of U.S. attacks, and were indebted to goalkeeper Silke Rottenberg for preserving their lead.

She saved well from Kristine Lilly, Hamm and Cindy Parlow, while the U.S. players called for a penalty when she collided with substitute Tiffeny Milbrett in the second half.

With the U.S. throwing players forward in search of an equaliser in the first minute of injury time, Prinz released Meinert for Germany's second goal and two minutes later, Meinert returned the favour for Prinz, the tournament's leading scorer, to notch her seventh goal of USA 2003.

The win avenged their defeat to the U.S. in the quarter-finals four years ago.

"Perhaps our relaxed attitude today was the difference to 1999," Germany coach Tina Theune-Meyer said.

"Silke Rottenberg had an amazing match and the whole side worked really well for each other.

"But I had a good feeling for today."

Germany will face either Sweden or Canada, who were meeting in the other semi-final on Sunday, in the World Cup final in Carson, California on October 12.