Jill Ellis responded to the criticism of the USA being a one dimensional side lacking pace and imagination by bringing on Amy Rodriguez to partner Alex Morgan.
The USA did not feel the after effects of Lauren Holiday’s suspension as Carli Lloyd was given a free roaming role as Morgan Brian patrolled the deeper areas. Tobin Heath and Kelley O’ Hara making her first appearance since March of this year bombed the flanks. Without Abby Wambach, the short passing game picked up as the USA sought to create rather than force the issue with solitary long balls and set pieces. Up top, Rodriguez with her speed caused the Chinese to go on the defensive and the only thing lacking was her end product.
Lloyd is a big time player, made legendary with her winning goal against Brazil in the 2008 Olympics finals which she followed up with her brace that won the USA, the 2012 Olympics gold over Japan. Once again she was on target to overcome the Chinese park the bus tactics as she headed the ball from 10 yards out past Wang Fei in the 51st minute after Julie Johnston, who should make the World Cup XI with her defensive abilities and constant menace on set pieces, found her with a long diagonal.
After the match, Lloyd allowed herself a moment of well deserved self indulgence. “I don’t just want to be a participant in the World Cup,” Lloyd said. “I want to have a legacy. I want to have people remember me, and let my play do the talking.”
The USA was as expected defensively solid, now 423 minutes and counting without conceding a goal. Hope Solo recorded her 134th win surpassing Briana Scurry.
As for China, well played. After failing to qualify for the 2011 World Cup, rebounding to a familiar quarterfinal spot. They are still way below the hey days of Sun Wen and the 1999 World Cup Chinese side, runners up to the USA who won their second title.
Now, its onto tournament favourite Germany in the semi-finals which should be a very, very closely contested game. If there is a byline in this World Cup, it is the USA can get by scoring just the one goal with this impregnable defense. The German byline is that they have a many headed attack that can test this resolve to its maximum.