England and US progress to quarterfinals
June 23, 2015
The US capitalized on Colombia goalkeeper Catalina Perez's red card to earn a 2-0 win, while England came from behind to beat Norway 2-1.
After Abby Wambach missed the penalty that came as a result of Perez's foul, Alex Morgan and Carli Lloyd both scored in the second half of a tough game for the second-ranked Americans. Seen as one of the pre-tournament favorites, the US - winners in 1991 and 1999 - next play China, but will be without suspended midfielders Megan Rapinoe and Lauren Holiday.
Sixth-ranked England was trailing after Solveig Gulbrandsen headed in for the 1995 champions just before the hour mark. However, second-half goals from captain Steph Houghton and defender Lucy Bronze gave England their first win in the knockout round of the tournament. England meet hosts Canada in Vancouver on Saturday for a place in the semifinals.
The other quarterfinals see Germany play France on Friday, while Australia will meet either holders Japan or the Netherlands, who play their last 16 game on Tuesday.
jh/apc (Reuters, AP)