Two second-half goals from Carli Lloyd and Kelley O’Hara were enough to see USA through to the final of the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup on Friday night, defeating World No 1 side Germany 2-0 in Montreal.
– Sweden lift UEFA U21 title with win over Portugal
– Sepp Blatter to miss Women’s World Cup final
– Sergio Ramos’ mum says he wants to stay at Real
For over an hour it was an engrossing but goalless contest, with the US side largely forced to show their quality as a defensive unit as Germany’s much vaunted attacking unit threatened to click into gear.
However, the tie changed dramatically in the space of 10 second half minutes due to penalty awards at either end.
Germany striker Celia Sasic was the first to step up to the spot having earned the penalty herself due to a foul by defender Lauren Holiday. However, Sasic—normally so calm in front of goal—sent her shit wide of the right-hand upright as the scores remained level.
She would soon pay for her error. When the ever-dangerous Alex Morgan was brought down just outside the box nine minutes later, Sasic’s worst fears were realised as the referee pointed to the spot. Lloyd made no mistake with her effort giving the US the lead with just 20 minutes remaining.
As Germany pushed ever more frantically for an equaliser, it was only a matter of time before a second goal would come in the game. Sadly for the Germans, it was a strike which would put the score beyond doubt with just five minutes remaining on the clock.
Lloyd was once more involved, laying the ball square across the face of goal, but on this occasion it was O’Hara on hand to supply the finishing touch.
USA will now face the winner of tomorrow’s clash between Japan and England in Sunday’s final.
