USA battles top-ranked Germany at Women's World Cup
The U.S. women's soccer team is in a rare position as they prepare to face Germany, the wold's top-ranked team, Tuesday night. While the two countries have played each other 29 times, and Germany has won only four of them, the U.S. is the underdog at the Women's World Cup semifinals, reports CBS News correspondent Jericka Duncan.
Carli Loyd's game-winner against China was a thing of beauty -- but also a rarity -- for an American team that has scored just seven goals in its five World Cup games. The Germans have found the back of the net 20 times.
U.S. midfielder Ali Krieger said getting a quick start against Germany could be crucial.
"I think the first few minutes are really important, but we have to stay calm. We have to connect the first few passes to get comfortable on the ball and get into the game and then see what they give us," she said.
As goals became scarce, the defense became defining. No one has scored against team USA and goalkeeper Hope Solo since the first game of the tournament. But Germany's goalkeeper can match Solo in their net -- Nadine Angerer sealed their win over France.
Forward Alex Morgan played with Angerer professionally on the Portland Thorns.
"For Nadine, I think she's a gamer," Morgan said. "It's gonna be interesting knowing her strengths and weaknesses. This next game is probably gonna be biggest challenge for both keepers."
CBS Sports Radio host Amy Lawrence said the two teams don't like each other.
"They both understand this will be their most difficult match and the winner of this game will be the overwhelming favorite in the final," she said.
U.S. coach Jill Ellis said Monday that the team played its best soccer against China in the quarterfinals on Friday. But for that game, they were missing key players Megan Rapinoe and Lauren Holiday, who are returning from suspension Tuesday night.
All eyes will be on Ellis to see how she adjusts her roster -- either to create more offense, or to play to their strength and fortify the defense.