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US end England World Cup challenge with 3-0 win

World Cup favorites the United States cruised into the semi-finals with a 3-0 victory yesterday over England.

The US will meet the winner of today's quarter-final between Brazil and Australia in a semi-final on Thursday in Hangzhou.

Second-half goals by Abby Wambach, Shannon Boxx and Kristine Lilly in Tianjin put the Americans through after a tight first half.

The US scored three goals in 12 minutes and improved their unbeaten run to 51 games dating back almost three years.

Wambach banged in a header in the 48th, directing home a corner from Lilly before a small crowd of about 18,000 at the 60,000-seat Olympic Center Stadium.

Midfielder Boxx made it 2-0 in the 57th. She stripped a ball near midfield from England's Jill Scott and scored on a long-range shot, the ball going in off the fingertips of England keeper Rachel Brown.

In the 60th, US captain Lilly broke through with her first goal of this tournament -- and her eighth in World Cup play. A long ball from across midfield bounced high and fooled Brown, who was far off her line. She leaped and could only tip it, with Lilly running in behind to knock it home.

Although England had more possession and frustrated the US with their pressing defense in the first half, they failed to muster any serious chances.

The US are seeking their third World Cup to go with titles in 1991 and 1999.

The Americans have never failed to reach the semi-finals. Four years ago they lost to eventual champions Germany 3-0.

The final of the 16-team tournament is Sept. 30 in Shanghai.
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