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Germany's prolific attack, sparked by six goals from forward Birgit Prinz, will test a solid United States defense in the feature match Sunday at the Women's World Cup semi-finals.
The Germans have a Cup-best 20 goals in four matches, including a 7-1 rout of Russia in the quarter-finals, a 6-1 triumph over Argentina, a 4-1 victory over Canada and a 3-0 blanking of Japan.
"What a team," US striker Tiffeny Milbrett said.
"Its a team thats very solid at every position out there on the field, a team that really knows how to play. Its going to be a tough game for us."
The defending champion US defense has allowed only one goal in its unbeaten run, that in a 3-1 opening triumph over Sweden. The hosts blanked Nigeria 5-0, North Korea 3-0 and perennial world power Norway 1-0 in the quarter-finals. Ticketmaster
"They are performing as well as in 1999 and they are the top favourite to win the tournament," German coach Tina Theune-Meyer said. "We have to play physically very robust against them."
The Norwegians managed only one shot on goal against the Americans in a loss that knocked them out of the 2004 Olympics. European berths at Athens went to Germany and Sweden, which will face Canada in Sunday's other semi-final.
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Winners advance to the championship match October 12 in Carson, California.
The top-ranked US squad seeks its third title in four Cups.
Germany's best results were second in the 1995 Cup and third at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Ticketmaster
Four Cup-veteran Joy Fawcett, a mother of three, anchors the US defense while Cup rookie Cat Reddick, the only collegian on the US roster, has been solid in place of Brandi Chastain, who suffered a broken foot in the US opener.
"We wanted to be the best defensive team," US coach April Heinrichs said. "Our last two games in the back have been incredible. I couldn't be happier."
Germany's defense was hurt by an injury to Steffi Jones, whose versatility gave Theune-Meyer several options that are now lost in trying to shut down top US threats like Abby Wambach and Mia Hamm.
"She can play in the front line. She can play in the midfield and now we dont have her," Theune-Meyer said.
Germany's offense is directed by midfielder Maren Meinert, who came out of retirement to work with Prinz, 26, on creating a formidable attack force. Meinert realizes the US backline will provide the Germans' toughest test yet.
"I have a lot of respect for the American team. I know how hard they work," Meinert said. "It will be an interesting match and I think it will be a good game for women's soccer." Ticketmaster
Canada and Sweden pulled mild shockers in the quarter-finals to advance. The Swedes ousted South American champion Brazil 2-1 while Canada stunned 1999 Cup runner-up China 1-0.
"I didn't even imagine us winning a game, and here we've won two," said Canadian veteran Charmaine Hooper, who scored the only goal against China. "This is bigger than anything we've done before. It's a huge step for our program."
Now the Canadians must regain their composure and try to get past Sweden.
"It's a much better matchup for us because Sweden plays a style that is very similar to our style," Canada coach Even Pellerud said.
"They have a tremendous team, and I've said for a long time that Sweden is one of the teams that could win this tournament. They have really impressed coming back from their loss against USA. They look stronger and stronger."