News Digest

U.S. reach women’s World Cup final with 2-0 win over Germany

Carli Lloyd remembers putting the ball on its spot and shutting out the noise of more than 51,000 anxious fans. Then she blasted that ball into the back of the net. Lloyd’s penalty kick got the United States on the board, and the Americans went on to a 2-0 victory over top-ranked Germany in the semifinals of the Women’s World Cup. Lloyd’s penalty kick in the 69th minute went into the right side of the goal less than 10 minutes after Celia Sasic shot wide on a penalty kick for Germany. Kelley O'Hara came in off the bench and scored in the 85th minute, delighting the pro-American crowd.

That’s exactly what I did, shut out everything around me and focused on what I needed to do.

Carli Lloyd on her final minute penalty kick.

The victory captured the attention of President Barack Obama, who posted his congratulations on his Twitter account. Actor and musician Justin Timberlake also cheered on the U.S., tweeting “USA! USA! USA!!!!!” Next up for the U.S. is the winner of Wednesday night’s match in Edmonton between defending champion Japan, ranked No. 4, and sixth-ranked England. Germany will play the loser of the second semifinal in the third-place game in Edmonton on Saturday. The final is set for Sunday at Vancouver’s BC Place.

We didn’t come here just to make the final. We came here to win it, so we’re going to go after it.

Carli Lloyd speaking after victory over top-ranked Germany in the semifinals of the Women’s World Cup.