China 0-1 USA
The United States shrugged off the suspension of two key players to beat China 1-0 in their Women's World Cup quarter-final on Friday and book a place against Germany in the last four.
The Americans wasted a host of chances against a young, defensively-minded Chinese side and had to wait until the 51st minute to take the lead through a fine header by captain Carli Lloyd.
The win earned them a semi-final slot next Tuesday in Montreal against the top-ranked Germans, who beat France on penalties earlier in the day.
The United States started without suspended first-choice midfielders Lauren Holiday and Megan Rapinoe but had little trouble maintaining their record of reaching the semi-final of every World Cup.
The Americans, criticized for some sluggish play earlier in the tournament, looked sharper from the start and only some wayward finishing prevented them scoring several goals.
Ali Krieger also hit the post with a long drive in the 73rd minute.
The United States have won the World Cup twice, most recently in 1999 when they beat China on penalty kicks. They lost in the 2011 final to Japan.
Germany 1-1 France
(Germany win 5-4 on penalties)
Germany beat France in a penalty shootout after their thrilling Women's World Cup quarter-final ended 1-1 after extra time.
The Germans triumphed 5-4 in the shootout after Claire Lavogez saw her kick saved by Germany goalkeeper Nadine Angerer.
Louisa Necib had put France in front in the 64th minute but Germany equalised in the 84th minute after Celia Sasic converted a penalty after Amel Majri was ruled to have handled inside the box.
