The US upsets Germany, makes the Women's World Cup final
(Elsa/Getty Images)
In their best performance of the tournament, the US beat No. 1-ranked Germany 2-0 to make the Women's World Cup final.
The US had been underwhelming relative to expectations going into the game. After getting outplayed for long stretches against Australia in the opening game of the tournament, the US drew Sweden, narrowly beat second-tier teams in Nigeria and Colombia, and squeaked by China 1-0 in the quarterfinal.
But behind a new formation that gave the US more numbers in the midfield (and sent Abby Wambach to the bench), the Americans legitimately outplayed Germany in the semifinal. The US had numerous chances in the first half but couldn't convert. Germany got a hold of the game early in the second half. In the 60th minute Celia Sasic had a chance to put Germany up 1-0 from the penalty spot, but she pulled it wide.
(Elsa/Getty Images)
Less than 10 minutes later, the US got a penalty of its own in controversial fashion. Alex Morgan appeared to be taken down by a Germany defender outside the box, but it was called a PK.
She was certainly outside the box:
(Fox)
Charli Lloyd, who was criticized heavily early in the tournament, took the PK to make it 1-0 USA.
Kelley O'Hara made it 2-0 12 minutes later, and the US was going to the final:
The US hasn't allowed a goal in five games. They'll play the winner of England and Japan.
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