Football: Women's World Cup: USWNT vs Germany is last-four clash of the titans

China's Wang Shuang heads the ball during a 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup quarterfinal match between the U.S. and China at Lansdowne Stadium in Ottawa, Ontario, on Friday, June 26. The U.S. defeated China 1-0.

It's a showdown between the two top teams in women's football -- and according to United States star Alex Morgan, it is "virtually a final."

Morgan and her USWNT teammates take on favorite Germany in Montreal for a place in the Women's World Cup final against either England or Japan on July 5.

It's hard to pick a winner from two nations which have each triumphed at the tournament twice -- even though the USWNT have not lifted the trophy since 1999 and Germany have won two of the last three tournaments.

So far, neither team has had an entirely smooth path to the last four, with both having struggled to produce top form at times.
Lou Jiahui of China and Julie Johnston of the United States collide.

Lou Jiahui of China and Julie Johnston of the United States collide.

Germany needed penalties to see off France after a tense quarterfinal, while its American counterparts were criticized for the sluggish performance that eventually brought a 2-0 win over Colombia in the round of 16.

Michelle Akers, a member of the team that won those two World Cups, went as far as to question whether coach Jill Ellis was the right person for the job.
China's Pang Fengyue fights for the ball with United States player Tobin Heath.

China's Pang Fengyue fights for the ball with United States player Tobin Heath.

Speaking after the match, she told radio show SiriusXM FC: "If she's pleased with the way we played, then what the hell is she doing coaching our U.S. team?"

"We take it personal. That's our baby out there, too."

China's Wang Shuang and United States' Julie Johnston vie for the ball during the second half.

China's Wang Shuang and United States' Julie Johnston vie for the ball during the second half.

But despite those misgivings, the USWNT has chalked up a unique feat in Canada -- it's the only team to have reached the last four of all seven World Cups played.

USWNT goalkeeper Hope Solo believes she and her colleagues are finding form when it matters most.

"We're peaking at the right time," she told reporters. "Germany is a great team. They're tactically great. They're organized.

"But we are right where we need to be, and hopefully we're going to beat Germany and head into the final."

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