US put paid to Germany

United States 4-1 Germany
European champions Germany struck early at the Commonwealth stadium in Edmonton but bowed out at the semi-final stage following a tremendous fightback by the FIFA Women's Under-19 World Championship favourites.

German opener
The Germans started positively, diminutive winger Annelie Brendel going close with a header early on, and were rewarded for their endeavour when Linda Bresonik notched her third goal in two games in the 17th minute following superb build-up play by Anja Mittag.

Wilson double
US captain Lindsay Tarpley drew her side level ten minutes later before Kelly Wilson edged her side ahead on the half-hour. After an entertaining opening half, the sides looked to be going in level at the interval but a Wilson header in added time put the Americans firmly in the ascendancy.

'Difficult task'
Jill Oakes, who had produced a marvellous goalline clearance to prevent Germany making it 3-2 in the 63rd minute, gave the score a slightly lopsided look when she fired in from range late on. "We always knew it was going to be a very difficult task," said Germany coach Silvia Neid.