Game

The U.S. squad were in command of this match from the beginning, given a full sized field and smoother surface. The USA were able to give most of their substitutes some usefull playing time.


Post game quotes


U.S. Interim Head Coach Greg Ryan

We knew Denmark had a very strong attacking team and were very good with the ball. I think the main thing I was happy with was that our team defending created opportunities for us to attack. We were able to win the ball in their half and create fast opportunities off the break. I think we kept the pressure on Denmark throughout the match and for us that's very important.

When Kristine Lilly came out of the game, I think I just told her that it was fantastic for her to get this team into the final as our captain. We're such a young team, I don't think many people expected us to make the final this year. We have very good players, but it's always difficult to replace five starters from a world championship team.

II have watched Germany many times, but I haven't watched them in this tournament yet. With Germany, they have so many talented attacking players and you have to make sure Birgit Prinz doesn't get behind you and hurt you. In the Olympics, we were able to limit her chances and that gave us a chance to win. She is such a strong force in their team.

I think if you look at their advantage, it's probably the number of experienced players they have in the first team. It's pretty much the usual suspects. They will be a very strong team, but right now we have a great chemistry and a great spirit in our team and we believe we can win.

U.S. captain Kristine Lilly on her

I don't think I've ever scored a goal directly off a corner kick at the international level. It's Mia Hamm that usually scores goals like that, but I was lucky. I was aiming for the back post and it had a good bend on it and happened to get a little extra gust of wind. But I'll take it.

As a team, this was our best game. We got to play today. The field was good and we were able to keep the ball on the ground and when we can do that, we are more effective. When our players are finding our forward's feet, it helps us take players on and create a lot of attacking opportunities.

Germany are defending world champions, and we are defending Olympic champions so when two of the top teams in the world play each other in a final you are going to see a great soccer game. If we play well as a team like we did today, especially in the first half, good things will happen.

Everyone was working so hard on team defense. Everyone was working to get in position, to double-back and the back line is perfect on the cover. That's making it easier to defend as a team and that's making a big difference.

Heather Mitts

The back line did not have a whole lot of practice together before this tournament and heading into these games, we are playing well. We are covering well for each other, dropping well together, reading the flight of the ball and working well together as a unit.

Stephanie Lopez who received her first international cap.

I was excited when Greg gave me the nod to start warming up because I had been waiting for that moment on this trip. I was really nervous, but the girls were really encouraging so that helped me relax a bit, and I was ready to get out there and have fun.
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