U.S. Putting Semifinal Behind Them, Face Norway

SHANGHAI, China (Ticker) - United States coach Greg Ryan insists his side has put to bed their semifinal defeat to Brazil and are now fully focused on capturing the bronze medal against Norway on Sunday. The world No. 1 side slumped to a 4-0 defeat against Brazil while Norway were beaten by Germany, 3-0, to setup the third-place clash. It is also the first time in history that a team from the CONCACAF has met a European side at this stage of the competition.

Ryan is confident his players will use Thursday's defeat to strengthen their push for a place on the podium. "The Brazil game is over," Ryan said. "We will now move on to the game against Norway, which is another very important match for this team. This team will come together, and sometimes opposition and frustration can make a team stronger. "They're focused, they're of the opinion that the Brazil game is behind us, that we need to come together and go after Norway and this third-place medal." Briana Scurry replaced Hope Solo in goal for the game against Brazil and there is uncertainty as to who will be between the sticks on Sunday after Solo publicly questioned Ryan's decision to replace her. The United States will, however, be without Shannon Boxx who is suspended following her sending off on Thursday.

Norway coach Bjarne Berntsen has called upon his side to learn from them mistakes they made in the second half of their semifinal against Germany on Wednesday. Defending champions Germany scored their third goal after capitalizing on a poor backpass. Berntsen insists those kind of errors need to be cut out if the Scandinavians are going to capture a World Cup medal. "I was very pleased with the first half against Germany, and we must learn from the second half," Bernsten said. "I said to the players we must put the disappointment behind us, because we must try to win the bronze match on Sunday. "There is a big difference between third and fourth place. We had a goal to fight for the medals and we don't have one yet, so we have to work very hard to get the team ready for Sunday." Norway will be without Lene Mykjaland after the 20-year-old was sent home due to developing glandular fever.