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| Women's World Cup: USA beat China 1-0 to reach semi-finals – as it happened | Women's World Cup: USA beat China 1-0 to reach semi-finals – as it happened |
| (18 days later) | |
| 2.43am BST | |
| 02:43 | |
| OK, we’re going to wrap this blog up. Well done to USA, and commiserations to China. Thanks for reading. Bye. | OK, we’re going to wrap this blog up. Well done to USA, and commiserations to China. Thanks for reading. Bye. |
| 2.40am BST | |
| 02:40 | |
| Caitlin Murray was at the game in Ottawa: here’s her game report: | Caitlin Murray was at the game in Ottawa: here’s her game report: |
| Related: Women's World Cup quarter-final | USA 1-0 China | Related: Women's World Cup quarter-final | USA 1-0 China |
| Updated | |
| at 2.42am BST | |
| 2.30am BST | |
| 02:30 | |
| Well played China, but they didn’t really show anything in attack. Wang Shanshan and Wang Lisi looked positive, but they’re essentially a defensive team, and once Lloyd scored, China didn’t look like responding. | Well played China, but they didn’t really show anything in attack. Wang Shanshan and Wang Lisi looked positive, but they’re essentially a defensive team, and once Lloyd scored, China didn’t look like responding. |
| 2.28am BST | |
| 02:28 | |
| Here’s Jill Ellis: | Here’s Jill Ellis: |
| “I think it was a highly energised performance, and created a lot of opportunities, so yeah, we’re really pelased. I thought Amy Rodriguez was fantastic tonight, I just thought overall the team played very well. It’s time to play. It’s kind of what we said: let’s put the group stage behind us, and let’s do this.” | “I think it was a highly energised performance, and created a lot of opportunities, so yeah, we’re really pelased. I thought Amy Rodriguez was fantastic tonight, I just thought overall the team played very well. It’s time to play. It’s kind of what we said: let’s put the group stage behind us, and let’s do this.” |
| Updated | |
| at 2.29am BST | |
| 2.27am BST | |
| 02:27 | |
| Just looking back at that goal: Lloyd got up really well. It was a nothing ball in from Johnston, but Lloyd did brilliantly. | Just looking back at that goal: Lloyd got up really well. It was a nothing ball in from Johnston, but Lloyd did brilliantly. |
| 2.24am BST | |
| 02:24 | |
| Michael Phelps is happy: | Michael Phelps is happy: |
| Congrats to @ussoccer_wnt !!! #usa | Congrats to @ussoccer_wnt !!! #usa |
| 2.22am BST | |
| 02:22 | |
| Well, that was much easier than the score suggests. China just didn’t have enough. USA were comfortable. Next up: Germany! | Well, that was much easier than the score suggests. China just didn’t have enough. USA were comfortable. Next up: Germany! |
| 2.20am BST | |
| 02:20 | |
| Full-time: China 0-1 USA | Full-time: China 0-1 USA |
| 90 min + 3: Pang fires from distance. It’s ambitious, and Solo fields with no drama. China just haven’t thrown enough players forward. And that’s it! USA go through! | 90 min + 3: Pang fires from distance. It’s ambitious, and Solo fields with no drama. China just haven’t thrown enough players forward. And that’s it! USA go through! |
| 2.18am BST | |
| 02:18 | |
| 90 min + 2: No. It’s just not happening for the Chinese. A minute left. | 90 min + 2: No. It’s just not happening for the Chinese. A minute left. |
| 2.17am BST | |
| 02:17 | |
| 90 min + 1: Three minutes of added time. Can China make one final chance? | 90 min + 1: Three minutes of added time. Can China make one final chance? |
| 2.17am BST | |
| 02:17 | |
| 90 min: Pang tries to force a corner, but Johnston sees it out for a goal kick. | 90 min: Pang tries to force a corner, but Johnston sees it out for a goal kick. |
| 2.16am BST | |
| 02:16 | |
| 89 min: And a chance for Christen Press seal it! She beat two – she went past Li easily in the box – but her shot was off target. Shame: the approach play was nice. | 89 min: And a chance for Christen Press seal it! She beat two – she went past Li easily in the box – but her shot was off target. Shame: the approach play was nice. |
| 2.15am BST | |
| 02:15 | |
| 88 min: Handball by Press. China need a goal, but they just haven’t functioned as an attacking force. Much endeavour, but little craft. Johnston steps in to take it from Wang Shuang. China going out with a whimper. | 88 min: Handball by Press. China need a goal, but they just haven’t functioned as an attacking force. Much endeavour, but little craft. Johnston steps in to take it from Wang Shuang. China going out with a whimper. |
| 2.13am BST | |
| 02:13 | |
| 87 min: China can’t get the ball. They look jaded. | 87 min: China can’t get the ball. They look jaded. |
| 2.13am BST | |
| 02:13 | |
| 86 min: And a chance for Christen Press! Low corner from Heath, dummied by Wambach, but Press fired over. Nicely worked. | 86 min: And a chance for Christen Press! Low corner from Heath, dummied by Wambach, but Press fired over. Nicely worked. |
| 2.12am BST | |
| 02:12 | |
| 85 min: Rodriguez gets clear down the left, but it breaks down again – but then Press accepts the lose ball, and fires at goal. It’s blocked. Corner! And a final change: Abby Wambach for Amy Rodriguez. | 85 min: Rodriguez gets clear down the left, but it breaks down again – but then Press accepts the lose ball, and fires at goal. It’s blocked. Corner! And a final change: Abby Wambach for Amy Rodriguez. |
| Updated | |
| at 2.12am BST | |
| 2.10am BST | |
| 02:10 | |
| 84 min: China go long into the box, looking for Wang Shanshan, but Solo claims easily. | 84 min: China go long into the box, looking for Wang Shanshan, but Solo claims easily. |
| Updated | |
| at 2.10am BST | |
| 2.09am BST | |
| 02:09 | |
| 82 min: USA look comfortable here. China have to take a chance, no? | 82 min: USA look comfortable here. China have to take a chance, no? |
| 2.08am BST | |
| 02:08 | |
| 81 min: Heather O’Reilly on for Alex Morgan: “She is a workhorse – and she’s so fast,” says Cat Whitehill on commentary. Nine minutes to hold it up, run around a bit, and generally make a nuisance of herself. | 81 min: Heather O’Reilly on for Alex Morgan: “She is a workhorse – and she’s so fast,” says Cat Whitehill on commentary. Nine minutes to hold it up, run around a bit, and generally make a nuisance of herself. |
| 2.07am BST | |
| 02:07 | |
| 80 min: Wang Lisi tried a curler, but straight at Hope Solo. Incidentally, USA haven’t conceded a goal in the second half of games at this tournament. And they don’t look like they’re going to concede here, either. | 80 min: Wang Lisi tried a curler, but straight at Hope Solo. Incidentally, USA haven’t conceded a goal in the second half of games at this tournament. And they don’t look like they’re going to concede here, either. |
| 2.06am BST | |
| 02:06 | |
| 79 min: Urgency required from China, but they can’t quite get going. Ooh, here’s a chance, though: Sauerbrunn comes through the back of Wang Shanshan, and it’s a free kick about 30 yards from goal. | 79 min: Urgency required from China, but they can’t quite get going. Ooh, here’s a chance, though: Sauerbrunn comes through the back of Wang Shanshan, and it’s a free kick about 30 yards from goal. |
| 2.04am BST | |
| 02:04 | |
| 78 min: Great play from Morgan down the left, beating Wu with skill and pace, but her cross is just too long for Christen Press. | 78 min: Great play from Morgan down the left, beating Wu with skill and pace, but her cross is just too long for Christen Press. |
| 2.02am BST | |
| 02:02 | |
| 75 min: USA look OK here: China haven’t really got round the sides and hurt them, and USA look the more likely scorers right now. | 75 min: USA look OK here: China haven’t really got round the sides and hurt them, and USA look the more likely scorers right now. |
| Updated | |
| at 2.03am BST | |
| 2.01am BST | |
| 02:01 | |
| 73 min: My oh my, what a shot! So nearly 2-0: Ali Krieger hits the bar! It didn’t look as if anything was on, so she just had a dip with her left foot from outside the box, and it clanged back off the woodwork! (Does wood clang?) Great effort, and so unlucky. Final change for China. Tang replaces Han Peng. | 73 min: My oh my, what a shot! So nearly 2-0: Ali Krieger hits the bar! It didn’t look as if anything was on, so she just had a dip with her left foot from outside the box, and it clanged back off the woodwork! (Does wood clang?) Great effort, and so unlucky. Final change for China. Tang replaces Han Peng. |
| Updated | |
| at 2.09am BST | |
| 1.58am BST | |
| 01:58 | |
| 71 min: They haven’t really created any clear openings, China, but they’re game, and Wu moves forward smoothly. China on the front foot here, but Liu’s pass is errant, and here come USA on the break. Morgan can’t keep it in, but this game has some nice ebb and flow. | 71 min: They haven’t really created any clear openings, China, but they’re game, and Wu moves forward smoothly. China on the front foot here, but Liu’s pass is errant, and here come USA on the break. Morgan can’t keep it in, but this game has some nice ebb and flow. |
| Updated | |
| at 1.59am BST | |
| 1.56am BST | |
| 01:56 | |
| 70 min: … and Solo punches clear, somewhat nervously. It’s sent back in by Wang Shuang, but no danger. | 70 min: … and Solo punches clear, somewhat nervously. It’s sent back in by Wang Shuang, but no danger. |
| 1.55am BST | |
| 01:55 | |
| 69 min: China coming into this now! It’s a corner … | 69 min: China coming into this now! It’s a corner … |
| 1.55am BST | |
| 01:55 | |
| 67 min: Julie Johnston has been immaculate here tonight, and she wins another clean header from Wang Shanshan. Now Wang Shuang tries to go through the middle, but it’s mopped up. Nothing doing for China so far. | 67 min: Julie Johnston has been immaculate here tonight, and she wins another clean header from Wang Shanshan. Now Wang Shuang tries to go through the middle, but it’s mopped up. Nothing doing for China so far. |
| 1.53am BST | |
| 01:53 | |
| 66 min: Rodriguez tries to pinch one from Wu in the right-back slot, but she can’t control it. Goal kick, and Wang Fei will send it long. | 66 min: Rodriguez tries to pinch one from Wu in the right-back slot, but she can’t control it. Goal kick, and Wang Fei will send it long. |
| 1.52am BST | |
| 01:52 | |
| 65 min: For all the talk of them being a defensive team, China pass it very nicely: they’ve got some technically accomplished players. They’ve come out from their ultra-defensive shape now: there’ll be more goals in this. That’s my hot take! | 65 min: For all the talk of them being a defensive team, China pass it very nicely: they’ve got some technically accomplished players. They’ve come out from their ultra-defensive shape now: there’ll be more goals in this. That’s my hot take! |
| 1.50am BST | |
| 01:50 | |
| 64 min: China are plenty young, so they shouldn’t tire. But that was a chance! Wang Shanshan’s header, and Wang Lisi just couldn’t get on the end of it. | 64 min: China are plenty young, so they shouldn’t tire. But that was a chance! Wang Shanshan’s header, and Wang Lisi just couldn’t get on the end of it. |
| 1.48am BST | |
| 01:48 | |
| 60 min: China had a corner there, and they played it short, and Wu crossed it – but only Wang Shanshan was in the box! Potty! Change for USA – O’Hara out, Christen Press in. I think O’Hara got clattered by Wang Fei about five minutes ago, and couldn’t continue. But O’Hara should be proud: she’s played really well. | 60 min: China had a corner there, and they played it short, and Wu crossed it – but only Wang Shanshan was in the box! Potty! Change for USA – O’Hara out, Christen Press in. I think O’Hara got clattered by Wang Fei about five minutes ago, and couldn’t continue. But O’Hara should be proud: she’s played really well. |
| 1.46am BST | |
| 01:46 | |
| 58 min: A reminder that the winner here will play Germany on Tuesday in Montreal. China need a goal! They’re pressing a little higher up the pitch, but now here come USA the other way, with Morgan down the left. She’s crowded out. | 58 min: A reminder that the winner here will play Germany on Tuesday in Montreal. China need a goal! They’re pressing a little higher up the pitch, but now here come USA the other way, with Morgan down the left. She’s crowded out. |
| 1.44am BST | |
| 01:44 | |
| 57 min: Change for Tan Ruyin out, Pang Fengyue in. Tan looks beat. USA playing with 10 – Kelley O’Hara is bleeding from her nose. | 57 min: Change for Tan Ruyin out, Pang Fengyue in. Tan looks beat. USA playing with 10 – Kelley O’Hara is bleeding from her nose. |
| 1.42am BST | |
| 01:42 | |
| 55 min: Corner to USA. And Wang Fei misses it again! She’s a good goalie, but she’s missed three punches on crosses today. Fortunately for her, China scramble it clear. | 55 min: Corner to USA. And Wang Fei misses it again! She’s a good goalie, but she’s missed three punches on crosses today. Fortunately for her, China scramble it clear. |
| 1.41am BST | |
| 01:41 | |
| 53 min: Now China have a problem. They have to score, otherwise they’re going home, but how do they do that without opening themselves up? Head coach Hao Wei has to earn his money here. | 53 min: Now China have a problem. They have to score, otherwise they’re going home, but how do they do that without opening themselves up? Head coach Hao Wei has to earn his money here. |
| 1.39am BST | |
| 01:39 | |
| 51 min: All that hard defensive work China have put in, and they’re undone on a long ball! Johnston just tossed it into the penalty area, and Lloyd just got up higher than everyone else! Her header was solid, and accurate, and low, and maybe it skipped off the turf a little under Wang Fei’s body. But USA lead, and it’s the captain! | 51 min: All that hard defensive work China have put in, and they’re undone on a long ball! Johnston just tossed it into the penalty area, and Lloyd just got up higher than everyone else! Her header was solid, and accurate, and low, and maybe it skipped off the turf a little under Wang Fei’s body. But USA lead, and it’s the captain! |
| 1.38am BST | |
| 01:38 | |
| GOAL! China 0-1 USA (Lloyd 51) | GOAL! China 0-1 USA (Lloyd 51) |
| And there it is! Carli Lloyd! | And there it is! Carli Lloyd! |
| Updated | |
| at 1.50am BST | |
| 1.37am BST | |
| 01:37 | |
| 50 min: It’s going to be difficult for China to win this in their current set-up: they’re so deep, and so focused on defence, and they don’t have an out ball. Wang Shanshan has had to drop so deep to collect it, and the Chinese attackers are on top of their defenders. Some fine-tuning needed. Wu, the captain, trips Rodriguez. Yellow card. | 50 min: It’s going to be difficult for China to win this in their current set-up: they’re so deep, and so focused on defence, and they don’t have an out ball. Wang Shanshan has had to drop so deep to collect it, and the Chinese attackers are on top of their defenders. Some fine-tuning needed. Wu, the captain, trips Rodriguez. Yellow card. |
| 1.35am BST | |
| 01:35 | |
| 48 min: Lloyd goes on a sortie down the right, and that’s excellent support play from O’Hara. She’s crowded out, but it’s a USA corner – and it’s a waste from Heath. China clear. | 48 min: Lloyd goes on a sortie down the right, and that’s excellent support play from O’Hara. She’s crowded out, but it’s a USA corner – and it’s a waste from Heath. China clear. |
| 1.34am BST | |
| 01:34 | |
| 47 min: Shot from Rodriguez. It’s speculative, and it’s well wide. | 47 min: Shot from Rodriguez. It’s speculative, and it’s well wide. |
| 1.32am BST | |
| 01:32 | |
| 46 min: OK, then, let’s go again! No changes at the half, and immediately China settle into their defensive shape. | 46 min: OK, then, let’s go again! No changes at the half, and immediately China settle into their defensive shape. |
| 1.31am BST | |
| 01:31 | |
| USA are back on the pitch! And Abby Wambach gives a motivational speech, with plenty of fuckings thrown in for good measure. | USA are back on the pitch! And Abby Wambach gives a motivational speech, with plenty of fuckings thrown in for good measure. |
| Updated | |
| at 1.33am BST | |
| 1.24am BST | |
| 01:24 | |
| Our women’s soccer expert Caitlin Murray is in Ottawa: | Our women’s soccer expert Caitlin Murray is in Ottawa: |
| The Americans are playing with the ball on the ground. This is not the same we’ve seen from them thus far in this tournament. No question. | The Americans are playing with the ball on the ground. This is not the same we’ve seen from them thus far in this tournament. No question. |
| 1.23am BST | |
| 01:23 | |
| Daniel Stauss is not impressed by USA: | Daniel Stauss is not impressed by USA: |
| China’s defense looks far too comfortable in the face of this US … possession, not pressure. There’s an abysmal lack of interest from the US when it comes to the final ball in, or the incisive run to clear space, or really in anything much, and China seems more than fine with that. | China’s defense looks far too comfortable in the face of this US … possession, not pressure. There’s an abysmal lack of interest from the US when it comes to the final ball in, or the incisive run to clear space, or really in anything much, and China seems more than fine with that. |
| The US looks completely flat. That was a boring first half. Credit to Julie Johnson, though, she’s been decent. | The US looks completely flat. That was a boring first half. Credit to Julie Johnson, though, she’s been decent. |
| 1.22am BST | |
| 01:22 | |
| Just watching that Rodriguez attempt again, and I misspoke: she tried to take it with her right, and bend it past the keeper. (Also, the bad mistake was from Li Dongna.) | Just watching that Rodriguez attempt again, and I misspoke: she tried to take it with her right, and bend it past the keeper. (Also, the bad mistake was from Li Dongna.) |
| Here’s the chance: | Here’s the chance: |
| From earlier: Amy Rodriguez might've had the worst shot of the tournament here #USA https://t.co/16MsSeXOjA | From earlier: Amy Rodriguez might've had the worst shot of the tournament here #USA https://t.co/16MsSeXOjA |
| 1.20am BST | |
| 01:20 | |
| Colombia are playing Argentina in the quarter-finals of the Copa America – and it’s tetchy! It’s 0-0 at half-time, and you can find out what happened in the first 45 with Nick Ames: | Colombia are playing Argentina in the quarter-finals of the Copa America – and it’s tetchy! It’s 0-0 at half-time, and you can find out what happened in the first 45 with Nick Ames: |
| Related: Copa América quarter-final: Argentina v Colombia – live! | Related: Copa América quarter-final: Argentina v Colombia – live! |
| 1.18am BST | |
| 01:18 | |
| Here’s Marc Howlett: | Here’s Marc Howlett: |
| What tactical changes, if any, do you see US coach Jill Ellis making in the second half? Perhaps bringing on a Boxx to Boxx midfielder? | What tactical changes, if any, do you see US coach Jill Ellis making in the second half? Perhaps bringing on a Boxx to Boxx midfielder? |
| Maybe! But there’s very little criticism here of USA – they’ve played well, but just haven’t been able to score. That chance that fell to Rodriguez early on was golden: she should have tucked it away. | Maybe! But there’s very little criticism here of USA – they’ve played well, but just haven’t been able to score. That chance that fell to Rodriguez early on was golden: she should have tucked it away. |
| 1.17am BST | |
| 01:17 | |
| Half-time: China 0-0 USA | Half-time: China 0-0 USA |
| 45 min: Lovely cushioned header from Carli Lloyd, but Morgan’s left foot shot is blocked by the redoubtable Wu. And that’s the half! USA have the edge, but it’s still 0-0. I’m not quite sure how, but it is! | 45 min: Lovely cushioned header from Carli Lloyd, but Morgan’s left foot shot is blocked by the redoubtable Wu. And that’s the half! USA have the edge, but it’s still 0-0. I’m not quite sure how, but it is! |
| 1.15am BST | |
| 01:15 | |
| 43 min: Lovely turn by Heath, but China defend that well, and Wang Lisi, who’s been their best performer, carries it forward. Better from China – that was much more confident passing – but Wang Lisi’s shot doesn’t trouble Hope Solo. | 43 min: Lovely turn by Heath, but China defend that well, and Wang Lisi, who’s been their best performer, carries it forward. Better from China – that was much more confident passing – but Wang Lisi’s shot doesn’t trouble Hope Solo. |
| 1.13am BST | |
| 01:13 | |
| 42 min: Surely it’s only a matter of time before USA score. USA go left, and then right, and there’s all kinds of movement, and now back to Johnston, and she looks for Rodriguez … but her touch is heavy, not for the first time, and that’s a goal kick. | 42 min: Surely it’s only a matter of time before USA score. USA go left, and then right, and there’s all kinds of movement, and now back to Johnston, and she looks for Rodriguez … but her touch is heavy, not for the first time, and that’s a goal kick. |
| 1.11am BST | |
| 01:11 | |
| 41 min: Lloyd looks as though she’s always prepared to start something: this we like. Then Krieger’s diagonal ball looks for Morgan, but it’s too high. | 41 min: Lloyd looks as though she’s always prepared to start something: this we like. Then Krieger’s diagonal ball looks for Morgan, but it’s too high. |
| 1.10am BST | |
| 01:10 | |
| 40 min: China have resolutely refused to go long to Wang Shanshan, but maybe they should: they’re all so deep, that a direct ball might relieve some pressure and get them on the front foot. There’s nowhere for them to go! | 40 min: China have resolutely refused to go long to Wang Shanshan, but maybe they should: they’re all so deep, that a direct ball might relieve some pressure and get them on the front foot. There’s nowhere for them to go! |
| 1.09am BST | |
| 01:09 | |
| 38 min: Actually, China deserve great credit here: they had an awful opening five minutes or so, and looked all at sea, but they’ve clung on, and shown desire and tenacity and courage, and they’re still at 0-0. They don’t look comfortable, but they’re still in this! | 38 min: Actually, China deserve great credit here: they had an awful opening five minutes or so, and looked all at sea, but they’ve clung on, and shown desire and tenacity and courage, and they’re still at 0-0. They don’t look comfortable, but they’re still in this! |
| 1.07am BST | |
| 01:07 | |
| 37 min: The technique from Lloyd there was textbook: the ball hardly wobbled. Now Lloyd looks to play in Rodriguez round the corner, but they’re not quite on the same wavelength. | 37 min: The technique from Lloyd there was textbook: the ball hardly wobbled. Now Lloyd looks to play in Rodriguez round the corner, but they’re not quite on the same wavelength. |
| 1.07am BST | |
| 01:07 | |
| 36 min: I like the look of Wang Fei, China’s goalkeeper: she looks like she has a bit of needle in her. In a good way! And she’s called upon here, beating away a long-range free kick from Carli Lloyd that dipped and swerved. Very well struck; well saved. | 36 min: I like the look of Wang Fei, China’s goalkeeper: she looks like she has a bit of needle in her. In a good way! And she’s called upon here, beating away a long-range free kick from Carli Lloyd that dipped and swerved. Very well struck; well saved. |
| 1.05am BST | |
| 01:05 | |
| 36 min: Change for China: Wang Shuang in for Lou Jiahui. | 36 min: Change for China: Wang Shuang in for Lou Jiahui. |
| 1.05am BST | |
| 01:05 | |
| 35 min: Better possession here from China – Tan trying to make something happen from midfield. But they have so few players in advances positions, it’s difficult to get out. Then a bad giveaway from Lloyd! China attacked down the left, but Wang Lisu’s cross was just behind Wang Shanshan. | 35 min: Better possession here from China – Tan trying to make something happen from midfield. But they have so few players in advances positions, it’s difficult to get out. Then a bad giveaway from Lloyd! China attacked down the left, but Wang Lisu’s cross was just behind Wang Shanshan. |
| 1.02am BST | |
| 01:02 | |
| 33 min: Foul from Lloyd on Tan. Here’s Kyle Brown: | 33 min: Foul from Lloyd on Tan. Here’s Kyle Brown: |
| I think China has consumed about 6 of their 9 lives here. | I think China has consumed about 6 of their 9 lives here. |
| Yep! | Yep! |
| 1.01am BST | |
| 01:01 | |
| 32 min: China have barely had a shot. They’ve defended tenaciously, but the ball keeps coming back. They’re clinging on! Fortunately for them, O’Hara’s cross from the byline is behind. | 32 min: China have barely had a shot. They’ve defended tenaciously, but the ball keeps coming back. They’re clinging on! Fortunately for them, O’Hara’s cross from the byline is behind. |
| 1.00am BST | |
| 01:00 | |
| 31 min: Oof, Rodriguez looked like she was in there down the right, but Zhao Rong did so well to come across and cover. Corner, though … and a free header for Johnston! Over the bar! | 31 min: Oof, Rodriguez looked like she was in there down the right, but Zhao Rong did so well to come across and cover. Corner, though … and a free header for Johnston! Over the bar! |
| 12.59am BST | |
| 00:59 | |
| 30 min: Rolled in nicely to Rodriguez from the free-kick, but it rolls through to Wang Fei, and China can take a breather. They need it! | 30 min: Rolled in nicely to Rodriguez from the free-kick, but it rolls through to Wang Fei, and China can take a breather. They need it! |
| 12.58am BST | |
| 00:58 | |
| 29 min: That’s excellent defending from the left-back Liu Shanshan, heading clear when O’Hara looked ready to pounce – ooh, and that’s a late one from Lou Jiahui on Johnston. No card, though. | 29 min: That’s excellent defending from the left-back Liu Shanshan, heading clear when O’Hara looked ready to pounce – ooh, and that’s a late one from Lou Jiahui on Johnston. No card, though. |
| 12.56am BST | |
| 00:56 | |
| 26 min: Heath with it … but well defended by China. And that’s off the line! Wang Fei came for another cross, and again didn’t get a clear contact. Krieger stabbed it goalwards, but it was hacked clear. China at sixes and sevens here! | 26 min: Heath with it … but well defended by China. And that’s off the line! Wang Fei came for another cross, and again didn’t get a clear contact. Krieger stabbed it goalwards, but it was hacked clear. China at sixes and sevens here! |
| 12.55am BST | |
| 00:55 | |
| 25 min: It’s anywhere will do at the moment for China – Wang Shanshan is so isolated up front, it just keeps coming back. And that was a tense moment for her namesake Wang Fei – she came for a cross and got nowhere near it, but Rodriguez just couldn’t profit. Free-kick for USA, though, now, in a dangerous position on the edge of the box on the right. | 25 min: It’s anywhere will do at the moment for China – Wang Shanshan is so isolated up front, it just keeps coming back. And that was a tense moment for her namesake Wang Fei – she came for a cross and got nowhere near it, but Rodriguez just couldn’t profit. Free-kick for USA, though, now, in a dangerous position on the edge of the box on the right. |
| 12.53am BST | |
| 00:53 | |
| 23 min: O’Hara has shown so much spunk down this right-hand side – in defence and attack. And there she is again, trying to get on the end of Heath’s cross! Just wouldn’t fall for her, but this is good stuff from USA: they’ve really picked up the tempo. China are rocking. | 23 min: O’Hara has shown so much spunk down this right-hand side – in defence and attack. And there she is again, trying to get on the end of Heath’s cross! Just wouldn’t fall for her, but this is good stuff from USA: they’ve really picked up the tempo. China are rocking. |
| 12.51am BST | |
| 00:51 | |
| 22 min: Rodriguez offside when she didn’t need to be: had she held her run, she’d have been in there. USA pressing here. | 22 min: Rodriguez offside when she didn’t need to be: had she held her run, she’d have been in there. USA pressing here. |
| 12.51am BST | |
| 00:51 | |
| 21 min: Chance! It fell to Morgan after a nice layoff from Carli Lloyd, but Morgan couldn’t get any power with her left foot, and Wang saves easily. And then O’Hara with a header just wide! Heath did so well down the left, crossed to the back post, and O’Hara just couldn’t direct it on goal. Well played. | 21 min: Chance! It fell to Morgan after a nice layoff from Carli Lloyd, but Morgan couldn’t get any power with her left foot, and Wang saves easily. And then O’Hara with a header just wide! Heath did so well down the left, crossed to the back post, and O’Hara just couldn’t direct it on goal. Well played. |
| 12.49am BST | |
| 00:49 | |
| 20 min: Nice feet from Wang Lisi – she’s impressed so far. Han tries to go down the left, but that’s solid defending from Kelley O’Hara, not for the first time. | 20 min: Nice feet from Wang Lisi – she’s impressed so far. Han tries to go down the left, but that’s solid defending from Kelley O’Hara, not for the first time. |
| 12.48am BST | |
| 00:48 | |
| 18 min: That was a good example of China’s shortcomings in attack: Wang Shanshan did well to pinch in from Klingenberg, but there was no one to pass to! Everyone behind the ball. Then Han has a blast from range, and spanks it into orbit. | 18 min: That was a good example of China’s shortcomings in attack: Wang Shanshan did well to pinch in from Klingenberg, but there was no one to pass to! Everyone behind the ball. Then Han has a blast from range, and spanks it into orbit. |
| 12.46am BST | |
| 00:46 | |
| 16 min: Tan gives it away cheaply, and USA come again, but China again are very quick to close down. They really are narrow and tight in front of that back four – that early Rodriguez chance notwithstanding. | 16 min: Tan gives it away cheaply, and USA come again, but China again are very quick to close down. They really are narrow and tight in front of that back four – that early Rodriguez chance notwithstanding. |
| 12.45am BST | |
| 00:45 | |
| 14 min: Much better defending from China: Liu did well to shepherd the ball out of play as O’Hara went down the right. But Wang Shanshan is so isolated up front. | 14 min: Much better defending from China: Liu did well to shepherd the ball out of play as O’Hara went down the right. But Wang Shanshan is so isolated up front. |
| Here’s Charlie Dunn: | Here’s Charlie Dunn: |
| Big USA fan here. On a bus to NYC so my experience of the game is completely in your hands, Tim! Make sure to mention every time the ball spins weirdly on the turf to satisfy Wambach! Oh, and when Kelly O’Hara gets the opening goal before the 30 minute mark, please mention that I called it! | Big USA fan here. On a bus to NYC so my experience of the game is completely in your hands, Tim! Make sure to mention every time the ball spins weirdly on the turf to satisfy Wambach! Oh, and when Kelly O’Hara gets the opening goal before the 30 minute mark, please mention that I called it! |
| 12.43am BST | |
| 00:43 | |
| 13 min: Wang Lisi slung it into the box, and Tan had a blast from distance, but it all came to naught. China not really clicking as an attacking force, but they’ve settled after an inauspicious start. | 13 min: Wang Lisi slung it into the box, and Tan had a blast from distance, but it all came to naught. China not really clicking as an attacking force, but they’ve settled after an inauspicious start. |
| 12.42am BST | |
| 00:42 | |
| 12 min: USA tried to attack down the left with Morgan, and there were nine Chinese players within about 10 yards of their own penalty box. Corner now for China … | 12 min: USA tried to attack down the left with Morgan, and there were nine Chinese players within about 10 yards of their own penalty box. Corner now for China … |
| 12.40am BST | |
| 00:40 | |
| 11 min: Wang Shanshan and Han combine well down the left, and then Wang Lisi has a blast from distance. It’s blocked by Morgan Brian. | 11 min: Wang Shanshan and Han combine well down the left, and then Wang Lisi has a blast from distance. It’s blocked by Morgan Brian. |
| 12.39am BST | |
| 00:39 | |
| 9 min: 63% of the possession so far from USA. Kyle Brown makes a perceptive point: | 9 min: 63% of the possession so far from USA. Kyle Brown makes a perceptive point: |
| China doesn’t look as solid as advertised thus far. | China doesn’t look as solid as advertised thus far. |
| Quite so! There really is a lot of space for USA. | Quite so! There really is a lot of space for USA. |
| 12.38am BST | |
| 00:38 | |
| 8 min: USA have found acres of space in front of the Chinese back four, and that’s a decent effort from O’Hara, following some nimble work from Rodriguez out wide. Wang sees it over the top, though, and there’s no danger. | 8 min: USA have found acres of space in front of the Chinese back four, and that’s a decent effort from O’Hara, following some nimble work from Rodriguez out wide. Wang sees it over the top, though, and there’s no danger. |
| 12.36am BST | |
| 00:36 | |
| 6 min: Better from China – that’s a good pass for Wang Shanshan, but USA defend it well. USA on top. | 6 min: Better from China – that’s a good pass for Wang Shanshan, but USA defend it well. USA on top. |
| 12.35am BST | |
| 00:35 | |
| 5 min: USA seeing lots of the ball early on, and Morgan has a try from distance, left footed. But Wang moves her feet well, and it’s an easy stop. | 5 min: USA seeing lots of the ball early on, and Morgan has a try from distance, left footed. But Wang moves her feet well, and it’s an easy stop. |
| 12.34am BST | |
| 00:34 | |
| 3 min: Nervy start by China, and that was a basic error in defence. Rodriguez had so much time, and she really was all alone in front of Wang, but it looked like she just had a brain freeze. Maybe she thought she was more comfortable in taking it with her left, but the natural angle was to hit it with her right, and she tried to bend it with the outside of her left. Big chance! | 3 min: Nervy start by China, and that was a basic error in defence. Rodriguez had so much time, and she really was all alone in front of Wang, but it looked like she just had a brain freeze. Maybe she thought she was more comfortable in taking it with her left, but the natural angle was to hit it with her right, and she tried to bend it with the outside of her left. Big chance! |
| 12.32am BST | |
| 00:32 | |
| 2 min: USA kick off, and immeditely look long. It’s Wang’s ball. Tony DiCicco on commentary wants USA to start quickly – and that’s a clear chance! Amy Rodriguez! Wu left it, and Rodriguez was clean through, but she tried to hit it with the outside of her left foot, and got it horribly wrong. Miles wide! That was a golden chance – inside two minutes. | 2 min: USA kick off, and immeditely look long. It’s Wang’s ball. Tony DiCicco on commentary wants USA to start quickly – and that’s a clear chance! Amy Rodriguez! Wu left it, and Rodriguez was clean through, but she tried to hit it with the outside of her left foot, and got it horribly wrong. Miles wide! That was a golden chance – inside two minutes. |
| Updated | |
| at 12.32am BST | |
| 12.29am BST | |
| 00:29 | |
| Carli Lloyd wins her 200th international cap. She’s the 10th USA player to reach that milestone. Wu, the China captain, wins the toss. It’s a full house here – 24,000 fans or so. | Carli Lloyd wins her 200th international cap. She’s the 10th USA player to reach that milestone. Wu, the China captain, wins the toss. It’s a full house here – 24,000 fans or so. |
| Updated | |
| at 12.30am BST | |
| 12.27am BST | |
| 00:27 | |
| USA are in white! Forgive my earlier idiocy. | USA are in white! Forgive my earlier idiocy. |
| 12.26am BST | |
| 00:26 | |
| An observation: Julie Johnston has painted her nails in the colors of the national flag. U-S-A! U-S-A! Actually, Johnston has had a terrific tournament – she’s a really top defender. | An observation: Julie Johnston has painted her nails in the colors of the national flag. U-S-A! U-S-A! Actually, Johnston has had a terrific tournament – she’s a really top defender. |
| 12.24am BST | |
| 00:24 | |
| The players are on the pitch. We’re listening to an announcement about fair play – in English and French, of course. China look relaxed! They’re in red. USA are in white tracksuit tops, which I assume are covering blue shirts. Blue? Time for the anthems! | The players are on the pitch. We’re listening to an announcement about fair play – in English and French, of course. China look relaxed! They’re in red. USA are in white tracksuit tops, which I assume are covering blue shirts. Blue? Time for the anthems! |
| 12.20am BST | |
| 00:20 | |
| Paul LaMourie has some tactical advice: | Paul LaMourie has some tactical advice: |
| Regarding Gaetane Thiney’s ET miss in Germany v France, to paraphrase Abby Wambach “on grass I think that ball goes in” – always more difficult to get on the end of a low cross with pace the way the ball moves on turf. | Regarding Gaetane Thiney’s ET miss in Germany v France, to paraphrase Abby Wambach “on grass I think that ball goes in” – always more difficult to get on the end of a low cross with pace the way the ball moves on turf. |
| With Wambach not starting so long as Team USA plays their crosses from out wide on the ground, they’ll be OK. Get to the byline, then cut the ball back to a trailer so the path of the pass isn’t parallel to the two lines of Chinese defenders that are sure to be bunkered in. Square balls into the middle will be too easy to cut out and clear. | With Wambach not starting so long as Team USA plays their crosses from out wide on the ground, they’ll be OK. Get to the byline, then cut the ball back to a trailer so the path of the pass isn’t parallel to the two lines of Chinese defenders that are sure to be bunkered in. Square balls into the middle will be too easy to cut out and clear. |
| Not much said about Klingenberg – her overlaps have been impressive, and she’s very technical and therefore impactful when she adds to the attack out wide. Also able to play in tight spaces when she or a teammate wins possession and they play out of the back instead of booting it long. | Not much said about Klingenberg – her overlaps have been impressive, and she’s very technical and therefore impactful when she adds to the attack out wide. Also able to play in tight spaces when she or a teammate wins possession and they play out of the back instead of booting it long. |
| 12.17am BST | |
| 00:17 | |
| Ariane Hingst says of USA: “They are better, stronger – and they’ll be playing Germany.” Lalas says USA have the best defence of the tournament, and Kelly Smith feels width is the key. Kick off is 13 minutes away – we’re almost ready! | Ariane Hingst says of USA: “They are better, stronger – and they’ll be playing Germany.” Lalas says USA have the best defence of the tournament, and Kelly Smith feels width is the key. Kick off is 13 minutes away – we’re almost ready! |
| 12.14am BST | |
| 00:14 | |
| Here’s Jon Pollak: | Here’s Jon Pollak: |
| After watching the best match of the tournament... USA could actually beat the Germans. If, and it’s a big if, they up their game. | After watching the best match of the tournament... USA could actually beat the Germans. If, and it’s a big if, they up their game. |
| First things first, Jon! Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Any China fans out there? Email me! I’d love to hear from you. | First things first, Jon! Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Any China fans out there? Email me! I’d love to hear from you. |
| Updated | |
| at 12.15am BST | |
| 12.13am BST | |
| 00:13 | |
| Amy Rodriguez, aka A-Rod, has played just 32 minutes at this tournament. Can she come in and do the biz? | Amy Rodriguez, aka A-Rod, has played just 32 minutes at this tournament. Can she come in and do the biz? |
| 12.12am BST | |
| 00:12 | |
| Some pictures from Ottawa: | Some pictures from Ottawa: |
| 12.10am BST | |
| 00:10 | |
| Here’s Jill Ellis reflecting on the changes to the USA lineup: “I think Amy gives the ability to hold the ball up. Kelley loves to get forward, and I think she’ll do a great job. Mo will play a bit more of a defensive role, but she’ll be fine.” | Here’s Jill Ellis reflecting on the changes to the USA lineup: “I think Amy gives the ability to hold the ball up. Kelley loves to get forward, and I think she’ll do a great job. Mo will play a bit more of a defensive role, but she’ll be fine.” |
| 12.07am BST | |
| 00:07 | |
| Hingst says China are “solid on defence”, and feels Wang Lisi, breaking from midfield, is one to watch. And head coach Hao Wei is back for China after serving a one-match suspension. | Hingst says China are “solid on defence”, and feels Wang Lisi, breaking from midfield, is one to watch. And head coach Hao Wei is back for China after serving a one-match suspension. |
| Updated | |
| at 12.07am BST | |
| 12.05am BST | |
| 00:05 | |
| Ariane Hingst in the Fox studio wonders whether USA are missing a trick by not selecting Wambach. China, Kelly Smith says, are going to play narrow at the back, so USA will have to go wide – and they might require Wambach in the air. | Ariane Hingst in the Fox studio wonders whether USA are missing a trick by not selecting Wambach. China, Kelly Smith says, are going to play narrow at the back, so USA will have to go wide – and they might require Wambach in the air. |
| A loss against China would be “an absolute failure,” says Alexi Lalas. | A loss against China would be “an absolute failure,” says Alexi Lalas. |
| 12.03am BST | |
| 00:03 | |
| USA haven’t been that good so far this tournament, have they? Ponderous against Australia, lacking against Sweden, unconvincing against Nigeria, workmanlike against Colombia. But they’ve never failed to reach the last four in World Cups, and they should prevail today. But a bit more flair and imagination wouldn’t go amiss. | USA haven’t been that good so far this tournament, have they? Ponderous against Australia, lacking against Sweden, unconvincing against Nigeria, workmanlike against Colombia. But they’ve never failed to reach the last four in World Cups, and they should prevail today. But a bit more flair and imagination wouldn’t go amiss. |
| 12.00am BST | |
| 00:00 | |
| Megan Rapinoe from earlier: she wants USA to “do the work”. | Megan Rapinoe from earlier: she wants USA to “do the work”. |
| Boom!! America. 🇺🇸🌈🙋🏼. Very proud to be Murican today💃🏼. And the @ussoccer_wnt gonna do the work today👊🏼🇺🇸 | Boom!! America. 🇺🇸🌈🙋🏼. Very proud to be Murican today💃🏼. And the @ussoccer_wnt gonna do the work today👊🏼🇺🇸 |
| 11.59pm BST | |
| 23:59 | |
| Jim Harper has emailed! | Jim Harper has emailed! |
| I was quite surprised The Guardian didn’t have live coverage of Germany/France. You missed a hell of a game! | I was quite surprised The Guardian didn’t have live coverage of Germany/France. You missed a hell of a game! |
| Yeah, it was great, wasn’t it? So sorry for France – and Lavogez in particular. When she missed that final PK, she had tears in her eyes, and just grabbed Jessica Houara’s jersey with her teeth. It was really emotional. | Yeah, it was great, wasn’t it? So sorry for France – and Lavogez in particular. When she missed that final PK, she had tears in her eyes, and just grabbed Jessica Houara’s jersey with her teeth. It was really emotional. |
| 11.54pm BST | |
| 23:54 | |
| So Kelley O’Hara starts for USA – and no Abby Wambach, who starts from the bench. Megan Rapinoe and Lauren Holiday suspended, of course. | So Kelley O’Hara starts for USA – and no Abby Wambach, who starts from the bench. Megan Rapinoe and Lauren Holiday suspended, of course. |
| China go 4-2-3-1, and should play defensively – Wang Shanshan has some pace up front, though, and could cause USA some problems on the counter. | China go 4-2-3-1, and should play defensively – Wang Shanshan has some pace up front, though, and could cause USA some problems on the counter. |
| 11.51pm BST | |
| 23:51 | |
| The lineups are in: | The lineups are in: |
| #USA XI: Solo (GK); Sauerbrunn; O’Hara; Rodriguez; Lloyd ©; Krieger; Morgan; Brian; Heath; Johnston; Klingenberg pic.twitter.com/qiQlVUgHQ8 | #USA XI: Solo (GK); Sauerbrunn; O’Hara; Rodriguez; Lloyd ©; Krieger; Morgan; Brian; Heath; Johnston; Klingenberg pic.twitter.com/qiQlVUgHQ8 |
| #CHN XI: Wang Fei (GK); Liu; Wu ©; Li; Wang Shanshan; Zhao; Lou; Han; Tan; Wang Lisi; Ren pic.twitter.com/nTkuHiHSK4 | #CHN XI: Wang Fei (GK); Liu; Wu ©; Li; Wang Shanshan; Zhao; Lou; Han; Tan; Wang Lisi; Ren pic.twitter.com/nTkuHiHSK4 |
| 11.44pm BST | |
| 23:44 | |
| By the way, you must check out Gaetane Thiney’s miss, with about five minutes to go in extra time. France worked it so nicely down the right, and Thiney was completely unmarked at the far post … and missed! Looker looker: | By the way, you must check out Gaetane Thiney’s miss, with about five minutes to go in extra time. France worked it so nicely down the right, and Thiney was completely unmarked at the far post … and missed! Looker looker: |
| How did France miss this?! http://t.co/3OxIadKw2l https://t.co/O4G8AkX7Pk | How did France miss this?! http://t.co/3OxIadKw2l https://t.co/O4G8AkX7Pk |
| 11.42pm BST | |
| 23:42 | |
| Germany into semi-finals | Germany into semi-finals |
| Germany have just beaten France in Montreal, on penalty kicks, in the most heartbreaking fashion. Poor Claire Lavogez – she took the final kick, Nadine Angerer saved, and the look on Lavogez’s face. So sad! Great game, that was: 1-1 after extra time, but France didn’t deserve to go out. | Germany have just beaten France in Montreal, on penalty kicks, in the most heartbreaking fashion. Poor Claire Lavogez – she took the final kick, Nadine Angerer saved, and the look on Lavogez’s face. So sad! Great game, that was: 1-1 after extra time, but France didn’t deserve to go out. |
| 11.39pm BST | |
| 23:39 | |
| Hi! Right then, let’s play some soccer. No contrived preamble tonight –let’s just get down to brass tacks: kick-off is 7.30pm ET, and I can’t wait. Ottawa’s ready! | Hi! Right then, let’s play some soccer. No contrived preamble tonight –let’s just get down to brass tacks: kick-off is 7.30pm ET, and I can’t wait. Ottawa’s ready! |
| Updated | |
| at 11.49pm BST | |
| 11.09pm BST | |
| 23:09 | |
| Tim will be here shortly. In the meantime, here’s Caitlin Murray on why USA have to improve: | Tim will be here shortly. In the meantime, here’s Caitlin Murray on why USA have to improve: |
| For a team that has advanced into the final eight and remains a favorite to win, the tone about the USA’s performances from pundits covering the team and from personnel affiliated with the program has become increasingly negative. | For a team that has advanced into the final eight and remains a favorite to win, the tone about the USA’s performances from pundits covering the team and from personnel affiliated with the program has become increasingly negative. |
| Former player Michelle Akers, who won the Golden Boot in 1991 when the USA won the Women’s World Cup, was especially blunt in her criticism after the USA’s 2-0 win over Colombia. Akers said of Ellis: “If she is pleased with the way we played tonight, then what the hell is she doing coaching our US team?” | Former player Michelle Akers, who won the Golden Boot in 1991 when the USA won the Women’s World Cup, was especially blunt in her criticism after the USA’s 2-0 win over Colombia. Akers said of Ellis: “If she is pleased with the way we played tonight, then what the hell is she doing coaching our US team?” |
| Related: USA face China for a last-four spot – and if they don't improve, they're going home | Related: USA face China for a last-four spot – and if they don't improve, they're going home |