American women’s team full of confidence for semifinals
OTTAWA, Ontario — Megan Rapinoe is glad to be done with her exile to the spectators’ seats at the Women’s World Cup.
Bring on Germany, said the U.S. midfielder, who had to sit out the 1-0 victory over China in the quarterfinals of soccer’s biggest tournament. The victory sent the secondranked Americans on to a semifinal match against the top-ranked Germans on Tuesday in Montreal.
“Huge match,” Rapinoe said. “No. 1 against No. 2 in the world. They’ve had a great tournament so far, but hopefully they’re a little tired.”
Rapinoe was referring to Germany’s quarterfinal, an extra-time penalty-kick victory over France on Friday.
Rapinoe watched the U.S. quarterfinal from the stands at Ottawa’s Lansdowne Stadium with teammate Lauren Holiday. They were suspended for the match because of yellow card accumulation — both had received their second yellows in the knockoutround opener against Colombia. Both will be back against Germany.
The Germans trailed third-ranked France 1-0 until Celia Sasic’s equalizing penalty kick in the 84th minute, then goalkeeper Nadine Angerer stopped Claire Lavogez in the final attempt of a shootout as Germany prevailed 5-4 on penalty kicks.
Like the Americans, Germany has two World Cup titles, in 2003 and ’07. The United States is seeking its first championship since 1999.
The two teams have met three times in the World Cup, with the United States winning twice. But Germany won the last meeting, a 3-0 victory in 2003. Overall the Americans are 18-4-7 against the Germans.
The United States has made it to the semifinals in every World Cup since the first in 1991.
The Americans made it this year because of Carli Lloyd, who scored the lone goal against China.
“This game was huge for our confidence going into that semifinal match,” Lloyd said. “Even players who were pressuring and taking risks, if it didn’t work out, we tried again. And I think that’s what we need to do to be successful.”
The U.S. was also boosted by its defense, which has been its biggest asset.
The United States has not allowed a goal in 423 minutes, with the lone goal coming in the tournament opener against Australia. Hope Solo, who set a record for a U.S. goalkeeper with her 134th win against No. 16 China, has four straight shutouts.
SATURDAY’S GAMES
England 2, Canada 1 at Vancouver, British Columbia: Jodie Taylor and Lucy Bronze scored in the first 14 minutes, and England eliminated host Canada.
England will face defending champion Japan in the semifinals Wednesday in Edmonton, Alberta.
Christine Sinclair scored for Canada.
Japan 1, Australia 0 at Edmonton, Alberta: Mana Iwabuchi scored in a scramble in front in the 87th minute and Japan beat Australia.
Aya Miyama’s corner kick from the left corner was blocked in the penalty area, but the ball bounced to Azusa Iwashimizu, who got off a hard shot that was blocked by goalkeeper Lydia Williams. The ball squirted left, where Iwabuchi kicked it in.