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US-Germany Semifinal

Jefferson ChaseJune 27, 2015

Two of the powerhouses of women's football will meet in the semifinals of the World Cup. A few hours after Germany booked their place by beating France, the US followed suit with a 1-0 win against China.

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Frauen WM Spiel Deutschland gegen China Carli Lloyd
Image: picture-alliance/Zuma/Z. Zheng

The United States have never failed to reach the final four of the Women's World Cup, and they can thank their captain for continuing that streak.

Against a dogged China, Carli Lloyd scored the lone goal of the match in Ottawa to seal a 1-0 win for Team USA.

"These are the moments I live for," Lloyd told reporters after the match. "Having the freedom to attack and do what I do best enabled me to create some chances."

US coach Jill Ellis was pleased with an outing that saw her charges rack up a 17-6 advantage in shots and enjoy 56 percent of possession.

"It was a highly energized performance," Ellis said. "We took care of the ball well, still created a lot of opportunities."

The US now moved into the semifinal in Montreal on July 1 against Germany, who owe a lot to keeper Nadine Angerer after beating France on penalties.

Kanada Frauen Fußball WM Frankreich Deutschland
Veteran keeper Nadine Angerer was the player of the match as Germany squeaked by FranceImage: Reuters/E. Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

Angerer pumps up Germany

"It was a very intense match for everyone, mentally and physically," Angerer told DW after the match. "After the first half, I thought, if we don't step it up, we're going to get slaughtered. But we collected ourselves during the break and said, 'Now our quarterfinal can get underway.'"

The two teams were level at a goal apiece after 120 minutes, but Germany prevailed after Angerer saved the fifth French penalty.

"No one will be going to bed before three or four in the morning;" Angerer said. "After such a hardcore match, you're completely exhausted, but there's no way you can get to sleep because your body is full of adrenaline."

The Germans now have a few days to relax and get their adrenaline levels back to normal before facing fellow title favorites, Team USA.