Since entering the World Cup as the No.1 team in the world, Germany has consistently met expectations as the best team. They have yet to truly be tested or so signs of weakness as they enter the semifinals. The United States have been a different story. They came into the World Cup as the No.2 ranked team and while their defense has played the part, their offense has been inconsistent at best. Now they face off with a chance to reach the Finals.
The pressure is on the Americans to reach the finals. After getting there in the previous World Cup, capturing the nation's attention, expectations are that success is repeated. However, Germany is a much bigger beast than France was in that World Cup and this match will not be cake walk considering the roster is still the same, but the players are four years older. The stakes are high. America wants the champion the US Women's National Team has made everyone believe they are.
The first question for the Americans is the starting lineup. Abby Wambach did not start in the 1-0 win against China, but is expected to get the nod against Germany. However, it was very clear that the offense was faster against China than it was before. Amy Rodriguez played a role in that as she got the nod, but she also failed to finish a number of her chances. Wambach lacks the speed and at this point the footwork to last 90 minutes against Germany , but finishing is something she excels at, especially paired with Alex Morgan. Megan Rapinoe and Lauren Holiday will be back on the pitch, but will Kelley O'Hara be the starter or will Morgan Brian get the nod after holding off China?
The x-factor in this game will be Hope Solo. The goalkeeper will face offensive wrath that consists of Celia Sasic and Anja Mittag. Sasic alone has six goals in this tournament while Germany as combined for 20 goals total. This could end up being the Solo show as this tournament has featured her breaking several milestones. The goal keeper might be the US's best shot at winning.
The United States have the depth and they have the confidence, but no one has played better in this World Cup than Germany. They have been the most consistent threat since the start, balanced on both sides. The US have to play their absolute best game in order to notch the win and move on to a final they have all been anticipating.
