United States' Abby Wambach (right) scores past England's goalkeeper, Rachel Brown, during their quarter-final match at the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup at Tianjin Olympics Center Stadium yesterday. The U.S. won 3-0.TIANJIN, China (AP):
WOMEN'S WORLD Cup favourites the United States and defending champions Germany cruised into the semi-finals with 3-0 victories yesterday over England and North Korea, respectively.
The United States will meet either Brazil or Australia in a semi-final on Thursday in Hangzhou, while Germany will face either Norway or hosts China in Wednesday's semi-final in Tianjin.
Second-half goals by Abby Wambach, Shannon Boxx and Kristine Lilly in Tianjin put the Americans through after a tight first half.
In Wuhan, Germany also struggled early before Kerstin Garefrekes put them ahead just before half-time and Renate Lingor and Annike Krahn tied up the result.
The U.S. scored three goals in 12 minutes to extend their unbeaten string to 51 games dating back almost three years.
Wambach banged in a header in the 48th, directing home a corner from Lilly. It was Wambach's 81st goal for the U.S. in her 100th appearance for the national team.
"The first goal is always critical in a match," American coach Greg Ryan said. "It was difficult for England to get their game going again after that. They lost the momentum and we kept pressing, going after them."
Failed to muster
England coach Hope Powell said her defence was caught napping when Wambach pounced.
"At this level, if you're not on your guard with players like Abby, they will punish you," Powell said.
Midfielder Boxx made it 2-0 in the 57th. She won a tackle and scored on a long-range shot, the ball going in off the fingertips of England keeper Rachel Brown.
In the 60th, American captain Lilly broke through with her first goal of this tournament - and her eighth in World Cup play. A long ball forward bounced high and over Brown, who was well off her line. Lilly ran in behind to knock it home.
Although England had more possession, they failed to muster any serious chances.
The U.S. are seeking their third World Cup to go with titles in '91 and '99. The Americans have never failed to reach the semi-finals. Four years ago they lost to eventual champions Germany 3-0.
In Wuhan, Germany wore down a North Korean team, which looked exhausted by fourth matches in quick succession, by employing a hard-running style.
"It was important to play such a good game. North Korea were one of the favourites for winning the title in the tournament, so winning against such a team makes me a little more optimistic that we can move forward," Germany coach Sylvia Neid said.
Garefrekes put Germany ahead in the 44th minute, outmanoeu-vring three defenders and curling a shot from 15 metres past the fingertips of goalie Jon Myong Hui and inside the left post.
Missed chances
North Korea missed two equalising chances in rapid succession shortly before Lingor widened the margin in the 67th minute with a goal from 12 metres out, after a neat one-two exchange with Sandra Smisek. Krahn added another five minutes later, knocking in a corner with her right hip.
"Because there were certain fitness and physical differences between the two teams, it was a hard day for us," coach Kim Kwang Min said, referring to the disparity in size between the two sides. "We are just simply not as strong as the German team."
