Norway outfoxed in Foxboro

United States 1-0 Norway
The United States remain on course to retain the FIFA Women's World Cup after defeating Norway in Foxboro to reach the semi-finals.

Outstanding Wambach
Abby Wambach, who was in outstanding form, headed the only goal on 24 minutes, and the US were able to afford a saved Mia Hamm penalty in a game where the 1995 champions Norway were always struggling to keep up despite the narrow victory margin.

Early chance
Having never failed to advance past the quarter-finals in any of the previous three editions of the tournament, the US were dominant from the start and Wambach headed Kristine Lilly's cross on to the bar in the fifth minute.

Goal arrives
A goal appeared imminent, and despite some good saves from Norwegian custodian Bente Nordby, Wamback finally had her say as she flicked Cat Reddick's free-kick into the net from close range. With Hamm warming to her task, Norway stayed on the back-foot, but held on until the break.

Penalty saved
Lilly went close again just before the hour mark as US domination continued, and in the 67th minute they had a penalty as Nordby caught Wambach's ankle. However, the goalkeeper made amends by saving Hamm's waist-high shot. Nordby then made another superb stop from Cindy Parlow, but her opposite number Briana Scurry was barely troubled as the US saw out the match.

'Best goalkeeper in the world'
Norway coach Åge Steen said Nordby had helped keep his side in the game: "She is a very good goalkeeper, maybe the best goalkeeper in the world, but that was not enough today to win the game." Meanwhile, US coach April Heinrichs paid tribute to Wambach, saying: "I said to her after the game, that was her best game of her life."

Steen tips hosts
The US next meet the winner of Thursday's quarter-final between European champions Germany and Russia.