U.S. Advances to Semifinals

TIANJIN, China (Ticker) -- The United States scored three second-half goals to book a place in the semifinals of the Women's World Cup with a 3-0 win over England on Saturday. Abby Wambach headed in the opener in the 48th minute and Shannon Boxx soon doubled the lead with a low shot into the corner. Before England could catch its breath, veteran forward Kristine Lilly added a third when England goalkeeper Rachel Brown misjudged a long-ball to present an easy chance. It was a game to forget for Brown, who was culpable on each of the goals.

The United States' whirlwind start to the second half was in contrast to the opening 45 minutes, when England managed to look the equal of the world's top-ranked team. Brown had started the game well, saving bravely at the feet of midfielder Lori Chalupny following an 11th minute cross from left-back Stephanie Lopez. England's might have taken the lead nine minutes later, as Kelly Smith finding striker Eni Aluko in the penalty area but the Chelsea player lost control and the ball ran easily to goalkeeper Hope Solo. The first on-target shot of the match came from Arsenal winger Karen Carney, whose long-range 27th minute shot was comfortably held just inside the far post by Solo. There was a scare for England in the 37th minute, when captain Faye White was knocked out by the left elbow of striker Abby Wambach and had to receive extensive treatment to her face before continuing. Wambach should have inflicted further damage five minutes later, but when captain Lilly's left-wing cross dropped into the six-yard box the striker volleyed high over the bar. Lilly herself went closest to opening the scoring in the first half, the 36-year-old veteran of five World Cups hitting a fierce 43rd-minute drive that Brown did well to turn over the bar.

The Americans wasted little time after the break as Brown allowed Lilly's corner to sail beyond the far post for Wambach to outjump her markers and plant a powerful header into the roof of the net. Nine minutes later the World Cup dream unravelled further as Boxx drove in a 20-yard shot that Brown was unable to reach just inside her left hand post. On the hour England were on the way out as a mix-up between Brown and right-back Mary Phillip allowed Lilly to latch on to defender Cat Whitehill's long ball for an easy tap-in for goal number three. And nine minutes from time it was almost four as Brown thumped an intended clearance against Wambach and the ball rebounded just wide of the post.