The U.S. national team beat China 1-0 in the Women's World Cup quarterfinals on Friday to advance to the tournament's final four. Carli Lloyd scored the lone goal in a game that was never in real doubt despite the the narrow margin.
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The U.S. now moves on to face Germany on Tuesday in Montreal in the semifinals for a spot in the July 5 final in Vancouver. That promises to be a heavyweight slugfest -- but first, here are three things we learned from the USA's win over China.
1. Much improved! But ...
Who was that team we watched on Friday, and where had they been hiding all tournament? After four frustrating outings in which a constipated offense put the U.S. at real risk of disaster, we finally saw why the team got so much hype in the lead-up to the Women's World Cup.
Or did we?
Morgan Brian gave the U.S. more verve in the midfield. The back line was as solid as ever. Julie Johnston continues to shine. The kick-it-and-pray long passes the USA relied on too much previously were greatly reduced, replaced instead by possession and good offensive build-up.
#USWNT had 136 touches in the attacking third in the 1st half. Their previous high in a 1st half at this WWC was 79 vs Australia.— Paul Carr (@PCarrESPN) June 27, 2015
So that's the good news. The bad news is that the U.S. had the same trouble finishing that it's had all tournament, finding the net just once against an overmatched China team that let the Americans into the penalty area time and time again. The big, lingering question is whether we saw fool's gold or something real on Friday; China was the worst team the U.S. has faced in Canada.
Nonetheless, given the Americans' struggles so far, any improvement is good news heading into a daunting semifinal matchup against Germany.
2. Abby Wambach called it
Wambach has scored more international goals than any man or woman in soccer history. Yet she hasn't been in top form in Canada, and the team has for the most part looked better with her off the pitch. Wambach didn't start this game -- but she still played a role in an unexpected way.
Fox cameras caught Wambach giving her teammates an NSFW pep-talk tied 0-0 with the second half set to begin. "First 10 minutes we get a fucking goal!" she implored her squad.
"First 10 minutes we get a fucking goal!" Let 'em know, Wambach. #USWNT #USAvCHN https://t.co/cSWiV68u3p— Sam Laird (@samcmlaird) June 27, 2015
Lo and behold, Wambach's mates delivered six minutes later. Midfielder Carli Lloyd headed in a beautiful long feed from defender Johnston -- the Americans' best player at the Women's World Cup -- to provide the final line in the 51st minute.
Making things even sweeter was that Lloyd scored on a header, Wambach's signature finishing move. But the primary lesson here is that Wambach bleeping gets what she bleeping wants.
3. It's about to go DOWN, America
Now comes the real test: A German team that's ranked first in the world and is by far the most fearsome team the U.S. has faced so far.
Nadine Angerer is the best goalkeeper in the world not named Hope Solo. Germany's attack will test the sterling U.S. back four in a way it hasn't been tested at the World Cup to date. But it's the World Cup semifinals, where you don't expect an easy road.
Was the improved U.S. we saw against China a squad that has finally found its stride? Or did they beat up an overmatched opponent before wilting against someone more formidable?
We'll find out on Tuesday. A win puts the U.S. one game away from hoisting the World Cup trophy, which it hasn't done since 1999. A loss ends the quest early.
It's. About. To. Go. Down.