This much is clear after yesterday's thrilling 4-3 Olympic semifinal victory by the U.S. Woman's National Team over border rival Canada; if you don't enjoy ladies' soccer now, you never will.

If U.S. Soccer is run and plays with a never-say-quit attitude, that power stance came from the Lady Nats long ago. On Monday in London, lest anyone had forgotten, it was time for a master class.

What's more, this was no dainty evening tea, fit for displays of awesome. This was a derby match, played in the opponent's second monarchial home against a team armed with the dragon's head that is Christine Sinclair. That girl is Public Nightmare #12 and the game was more than slightly akin to roller derby.

Regardless, our ladies in Red, White & Blue counterpunched and counterpunched and (surprise!) counterpunched until the Maple Leafs were wilting enough for Alex Morgan to give them a taste of their own brilliant header medicine just as the match we heading to the dice throw of penalties.

Every great game needs a hero and this one had at least two. If Sinclair was the sinister red rumbling beyond the forest at Old Trafford on Monday, Megan Rapinoe was the fearless dragon-slayer.

In a star-making show, the midfielder poked, prodded and got down with second equalizer sickness until the U.S. had rallied from three second half deficits and carved out a last gasp winner for a place in Thursday's final.

You can look up and down the roster to see redemption calling cards, from Hope Solo to boss Pia Sundhage. In the semifinal win over Canada, everyone had a chance to shine.

The central defense was battered by Sinclair, but finished strong. The wingbacks pushed and pushed every time the United States fell behind. The forwards stayed incisive with runs and the playmakers got them the ball artfully until matters were even again. And again. And yet again.

Was the 80th minute penalty decision harsh? Maybe, but not necessarily unfair or incorrect. And perhaps I'm just a homer, but I fully assume they'd have pulled the game level for the third time in inside a half hour even without the granted spot kick. I'd explain this view by claiming to know how this team operates, with plenty of video evidence in support.

Now, this group of miracle workers will try to flash them anew against Japan for another Olympic gold. This is, of course, basically the same Japan side that shocked our ladies late at the 2011 Women's World Cup final.

And by an extension, they are the Japan team that has offered up what the USWNT craves most: a chance to claw back the prize. So... will you be watching America's fearless treasure hunters on Thursday?

Anyone who caught Monday's episode can tell you it was definitely Must-See TV.