Irresistible US into final

Yukiko Ueno and Monica Abbott, the only two pitchers to throw perfect games during the tournament, kept each other's team scoreless through the first seven innings of regulation play and the first extra period.

But then the Americans scored four runs off the previously untouchable Ueno in the ninth inning for victory.

"If I said it was a great ball game, that would be an understatement. This was softball at its best internationally," said US coach Mike Candrea.

"You saw great pitching, great defence, adjustments at the plate, an international tie-breaker ... you saw a little bit of everything the sport has to offer."

US left field Jessica Mendoza said they knew it was going to be tough against Japan despite the Americans being so dominant -- they have won every Olympic softball gold since the game entered the programme in 1996.

"I felt like I was shaking the entire game. we have so much 'want' to go out on top," she said.

"It was a different Japan in the medal round. I hate to say it but we knew it would be a close game."

Despite the loss, Japan later qualified for the gold medal match with a 4-3 win over Australia who had beaten Canada 5-3 in their semi-final.

Japan's second chance at gold came courtesy of the Page play-off system.

Tanya Harding got the win over Canada for Australia. She pitched four and one-third innings, giving up no runs, two hits and one walk. She had no strikeouts.

"The next game is hust a stepping stone to the gold medal match, so we'll just take it one match at a time," said Australian left field Kerry Wyborn.

"I'm really excited, it was a great win for us all."

International Olympic Committee (IOC) officials voted in 2005 to drop softball, and baseball, from the Games after Beijing, although both sports are making a bid to have the IOC reconsider the decision.