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Germany to face China after favourites held out in semi's
Brazil couldn't break a defence now being heralded as "the great wall of China" while the US attack was lackluster at best after Germany took full advantage of the American holders poor form.
Not surprisingly, German goal machine Anja Mittag, was involved in the opening goal as she flicked on for German captain Annike Krahn to slot home in only the 11th minute. However Krahn would soon turn from hero to villain amongst German fans as US speedster Sheree Gray skipped through three defenders and put a cross in only for Krahn to put into her own net (16th minute).
The USA picked up here and made attacks but couldn't put the ball past the German keeper. Late in the first half the Germans started to take control and create chances but the closest they came was a chip over the cross bar.
The second half stared with a calm USA making crisp passes and playing extremely well. However the Europeans turned the tables on a counter attack as Melanie Behringer slammed home from about 8 yards out to restore the lead they once held (69th minute). The US pushed forward again but the germans made use of the break as they extended their lead on 81 minutes. Hanebeck heading home after a pinpoint cross from Simone Laudehr.
The germans causing somewhat of a boilover as the holders are eliminated from the competition.
The other semi-final would have been touted as the easiest to pick with the flamboyant and extremely skillful Brazilians expected to beat the doggedly determined Chinese squad. However it wasn't to be.
The biggest concern for China was preventing the talented Marta from getting through and the Asian side held her well with an extremely well organised defence. Their strong defence was tested for the opening ten minutes before China moved forward and scored virtually from their opening attack. After taking the ball off a defender, Zhang Ying sent in a cross which collected a deflection and landed at the feet of Lou Xiaoxu who guided the ball into the far corner of the net (11th minute).
From here China retreated to soak up the Brazilian whiplash however to their credit, held the Samba Princesses to long range shots only. Goal keeper Zhang Yanru was kept on her toes but had plenty of time to see all shots coming in.
A foul 45 yards out proved vital for China to extend their lead. The ball was sent in and cleared out by an over zealous keeper. however the clearance went as far as Lou Xiaoxu who belted the ball home from no more than 14 yards out (42nd minute).
The Brazilians came out all guns blazing in the second half in an attempt to break the extremely solid Chinese defence. However it wasn't to be as a combination of strong defence, diminishing Brazilian hope, and a little playacting from Chinese players being fouled, all lead to a 2-0 result in favour of the Asian nation.
Germany will face China in the final while Brazil and the USA will play the third place match as the curtain raiser to the final.
26 November, 2004 |
