Germany forward Anja Mittag (#11) (Photo : Reuters)
In a battle that may have happened sooner than expected, world no. 1 Germany will face world no. 2 United States in one of the most anticipated matches of the competitions during the semifinals of the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup.
The winner of the meeting, to be held at the Olympic Stadium in Montreal on Tuesday, will face the winner of the other semifinal pairing between defending champion Japan and England in the final on July 5.
Germany is coming off a tight 1-1 (5-4) shootout victory over world no. 3 France in the quarterfinals, as reported by Aljazeera. Célia Šašić provided the winning goal for Silvia Neid's girls as they survived one of their toughest tests this summer.
But the challenges are just beginning for the Germans as they now meet Jill Ellis' Team USA, who has yet to get tested themselves and has not shown their top form so far in the competitions.
USA advanced in the semis via a tough 1-0 win over methodical China, as per The Guardian. Carli Lloyd scored the lone goal of the match late in the second half to lift the Yanks over the Steel Roses and join the Germans in the semis.
Prediction: A 2-1 decision by the United States over Germany. Die Nationalelf is probably the strongest team in the tournament, but Team USA's resolve will finally be tested and they will overcome to possibly set up a rematch with Japan in the final.
Germany starting lineup (4-2-3-1 formation): Angerer; Maier, Krahn, Peter, Kemme; Goeßling, Leupolz; Laudehr, Popp, Mittag; Šašić
United States starting lineup (4-2-2-2 formation): Solo; Klingenberg, Johnston, Krieger, Sauerbrunn; Lloyd, Brian; O'Hara, Heath; Wambach, Morgan
