Americans head to semifinals in Women’s World Cup

Carli Lloyd scored on a header in the 51st minute, and the United States beat China 1-0 Friday night in Ottawa to reach the semifinals of the Women’s World Cup.

Hope Solo had her fourth straight shutout for the second-ranked United States, which has reached the final four of all seven Women’s World Cups, but has not won since beating China on penalty kicks for the 1999 title at the Rose Bowl.

Despite missing midfielders Megan Rapinoe and Lauren Holiday, who were suspended for yellow-card accumulation, the U.S. managed a more attacking attitude and extended its unbeaten streak against China to 25 matches dating to 2003.

Julie Johnston lofted a long ball into the penalty area and Lloyd met it with her head 10 yards from the goal line and bounced the ball off the artificial turf and past goalkeeper Fei Wang.

In Montreal, Celia Sasic tied the score in the 84th minute, Nadine Angerer stopped Claire Lavogez in the final attempt of a shootout and Germany beat France 5-4 on penalty kicks after a 1-1 tie. ...

Louisa Necib put France ahead in the 64th minute, but Sasic scored the equalizer on a penalty kick after a hand ball in the penalty area.