USA beat Germany
July 1, 2015
United States 2-0 Germany
(Lloyd pen 69', O'Hara 84')
The United States proved one step too far for Germany, as two second-half goals secured a place in Sunday's Women's World Cup final for the US. Celia Sasic missed a penalty after an hour, before a penalty from Carli Lloyd and late finish from Kelley O'Hara secured the win for the Americans.
It was loud in Montreal as the crowd, dominated by American fans, roared the teams out onto the pitch for what was an open, entertaining, but scoreless first half. The US dominated the early proceedings and Nadine Angerer was once again called upon to keep Germany in the game.
Her first save came after seven minutes. An inswinging corner found the head of Julie Johnston, but Angerer provided a superb reflex save to keep it out with her feet. On 14 minutes, Angerer saved again. Alex Morgan was played in behind the German defence, but couldn't beat the goalkeeper who closed down her angle to shoot with speed.
After Alexandra Popp and Morgan Brian clashed heads, with blood pouring from Popp's forehead, Morgan had another chance to score before half-time. Flicking the ball over Annike Krahn with style, Morgan curled her effort from a tight angle well wide as Angerer closed her down. Goalless at the break, but every bit as entertaining as expected.
Penalties decide the game again
The second half began in opposite fashion to the first. Germany looked in control and were pressing forward in numbers. But as chances were beginning to be created, a goal was still yet to be found. Anja Mittag forced the first save of the match from Hope Solo after 53 minutes, with a measured header.
On the hour mark, Germany's real chance to score came. Julie Johnston looked to shield the ball back to Solo, but as she waited, Popp pounced. Johnston fouled and the penalty was given. Despite being the final player, Johnston was only booked. Again, it was Celia Sasic who stepped up and again, as she did against France, she went left. This time, too far left, and the ball dragged wide of Solo's post.
The chance was rued, as the US made Germany pay. Seven minutes later, the Americans had a penalty of their own. Annike Krahn, who turns 30 on Wednesday, haulted Morgan's run into the box - perhaps just before she had reached the box - and the foul was given. Captain Carli Lloyd did what Sasic couldn't and dispatched the spot-kick.
Dzsenifer Marozsan came off from the bench looking to take the game to extra-time, but it was another substitute who sealed the place in the final for the US. Lloyd did well to get to the by-line and cut-back for Kelley O'Hara who couldn't miss from two yards.
"The penalty was clearly outside of the box," said Germany Head Coach Silvia Neid. Nadine Angerer, was in a more reflective mood. "Of course we're disappointed, but if you look at the whole tournament, we can be proud," she said.
Germany's World Cup campaign comes to an end in disappointment, but on reflection, it was a fair result that sees the United States into Sunday's final. They will face either Japan or England, who play tomorrow in Edmonton for a place in the final.