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United States coach April Heinrichs put it simply: ``She was tremendous.''
Heinrichs was referring to Germany goalkeeper Silke Rottenberg, who made several spectacular saves Sunday as her team upset the defending Women's World Cup champion Americans 3-0 in the semifinals.
``She was tremendous on long-range serves,'' Heinrichs added. ``She picked them off the near post. She picked them off the far post.''
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The 31-year-old Rottenberg, who was named player of the game, came up big for
the Germans several times making a goal from Kerstin Garefrekes in the 15th
minute stand up through regulation. Maren Meinert and Birgit Prinz added goals
in extra time.
``In the first minutes we saw that Silke was having a great day,'' Germany coach Tina Theune-Meyer said. Ticketmaster
Rottenberg's two biggest plays came in the first half.
Kristine Lilly drilled a shot from just outside the area that looked to be heading into the corner, but Rottenberg dived to her right and caught the ball to control possession.
In the 34th minute, FIFA Player of the Year Mia Hamm took an Abby Wambach through ball into the area, but Rottenberg came off her line and went down to knock the ball away. The Americans kept possession but could not find the net.
In the second half, Rottenberg withstood relentless pressure from the Americans, who went to just three defenders. Ticketmaster
Rottenberg would not to take all the credit for the win.
``It was a great game for all the players, not only for the goalkeeper,'' said Rottenberg, who made six saves. ``We won today with all the team.''
The Germans, who
have never won the Women's World Cup, will face Sweden in the final on Oct.
12 in Carson, California. Sweden topped Canada 2-1 in the second semifinal.