US 3, ENGIRLAND Eagles O
England were knocked out of the Women's World Cup after a 3-0 defeat by the United States in the quarter-finals.
England had held their own in the first half but a 48th-minute far-post Abby Wambach header put the USA ahead. There had been little between the sides at the start as both sides nullified each other early on.
The pace picked up after the initial sparring and it was England who started to seize the initiative as some neat passing and clever movement saw them create two chances in quick succession.
The first saw striker Eniola Aluko found in space with the chance of a clear run on goal but her hesitancy allowed the American defence to clear the threat. An angled Karen Carney cross caused concern in the US area and, although Jill Scott got a high boot to the ball, her effort was blocked and she was penalised for dangerous play. It was an encouraging start from England, who had showed tremendous resilience in holding Germany to a 0-0 draw in the group stages. And the US did not begin to assert their dominance until just before the break when they created their first significant opening.
England breathed a sigh of relief when Wambach shot over from six yards after meeting a Stephanie Lopez cross. Lilly's fierce angled strike was then produced a fine save from keeper Brown, who palmed the ball over as the half ended on even terms. But the US sustained the pressure in the second half and were rewarded with a goal when Wambach headed home to mark her 100th international appearance.
England responded by pressing for an equaliser - only to continue to come up against a resolute US defence. The creative Kelly Smith shouldered England's main hope of somehow equalising but she was marked out of the game by a US side recognising the threat she posed. A precise 20-yard shot from Boxx extended the US lead and, before manager Hope Powell's side had a chance to regroup, Brown's error let in Lilly to score and end England's challenge.
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