U.S. TOPS CHINA, REACHES CUP SEMIS
Lloyd, U.S. oust China, Germany next
OTTAWA, Ontario — Carli Lloyd scored on a header in the 51st minute, and the United States beat China 10 Friday night to reach a semifinal against Germany at the Women’s World Cup.
Hope Solo recorded her fourth straight shutout for the secondranked Americans, who have reached the final four of all seven Women’s World Cups but have not won since beating China on penalty kicks for the 1999 title at the Rose Bowl. Seeking their third world championship, the Americans have not allowed a goal in 423 minutes, since this year’s tournament opener against Australia.
The U.S. plays topranked Germany, the 2003 and 2007 champion, on Tuesday in Montreal.
Despite missing midfielders Megan Rapinoe and Lauren Holiday, who were suspended for yellow card accumulation, the U.S. managed a more attacking attitude and extended its unbeaten streak against China to 25 matches dating to 2003.
“I think it was a highly energized performance,” U.S. coach Jill Ellis said. “I thought we took care of the ball well, still created a lot of opportunities. So, yeah, we’re really pleased.”
Morgan Brian replaced Holiday in the middle of field, with Tobin Heath and Kelley O’Hara — making her first start since March — the flanks. Amy Rodriguez started up top with Alex Morgan, injecting more pace, while Abby Wambach did not enter until the 86th minute.
Wearing the captain’s armband, Lloyd got the breakthrough with her 65th goal in 200 international appearances. Julie Johnston lofted a long ball into the penalty area and Lloyd met it with her head 10 yards from the goal line and bounced the ball off the artificial turf and past goalkeeper Fei Wang. That brought cheers from the overwhelmingly proAmerican crowd of 24,141 at Lansdowne Stadium.
The U.S. had a 176 advantage in shots and its offense was less stagnant than in the roundof16 win over Colombia. The Americans face a considerable challenge in Germany, which lost to Japan in overtime in the 2011 quarterfinals.
Germany advanced earlier by beating France 54 on penalty kicks following a 11 tie. The United States has an 1847 overall record against the Germans, including a 32 advantage in World Cup matches.