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Solo dropped as US beat Norway to claim third spot

The US put their goalkeeping row behind them with an emphatic 4-1 win over Norway to claim the World Cup's third spot yesterday.

With controversial 'keeper Hope Solo axed for her outburst over the semi-final loss to Brazil, the two-time champions turned on the style with three goals in 14 second-half minutes.

Abby Wambach struck either side of the break with Lori Chalupny and Heather O'Reilly also weighing in before Ragnhild Gulbrandsen pulled one back for Norway.

The Americans came out firing with old stager Kristine Lilly, playing her last World Cup match, repeatedly troubling Norway stopper Bente Nordby.

Wambach had a solid penalty appeal waved away before opening the scoring on the half-hour, deflecting Aly Wagner's shot from a corner into the Norwegian net for her fifth goal of the tournament.

Norway's Gulbrandsen nodded past stranded goalkeeper Briana Scurry near half-time but the goal was mysteriously disallowed.

Wambach pounced again from another corner just after the break, tapping in the rebound from close range as Cat Whitehill hit the post.

Norway captain Ane Stangeland Horpestad's clearance bounced off Chalupny for the US' third on 57 minutes and O'Reilly poached the fourth a minute later.

Gulbrandsen looped a finely placed header over Scurry for Norway on 63 minutes after Camilla Huse's high ball from the deep.
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