NEW YORK, 3 October 2003 — The United States closed in on their third world title by beating perennial rivals Norway 1-0 in the quarterfinals of the women’s World Cup on Wednesday.
Abby Wambach scored the winner for the 1991 and defending champions in Foxboro, Massachusetts to book a semi-final meeting with either Russia or Germany.
Sweden also progressed to the last four on Wednesday, after their 2-1 win over Brazil.
The European side will face either China or Canada for a place in the final on Oct. 12.
US coach April Heinrichs recalled Mia Hamm and captain Julie Foudy after resting the pair for their last group game on Sunday, but it was two younger, less familiar names who ended the hopes of 1995 world champions Norway.
Cat Reddick — the defender celebrating her 21st birthday on Thursday — floated a free-kick in to the area after 24 minutes and Wambach steered her header past Norway keeper Bente Nordby for the US’ 10th goal from a set play at this year’s tournament.
Hamm could have made the game safe after 67 minutes, but her poor penalty was saved by Nordby.
Brazil had looked impressive in the group phase and, in Katia, possessed the tournament’s joint leading scorer.
But their love of the short passing game was overwhelmed by Sweden’s physical and direct approach.
Victoria Svensson gave the Swedes the lead after 23 minutes with a header, before the South Americans equalized with a 44th minute penalty from Marta, after the 17-year-old had been brought down by Sweden’s stand-in keeper Sofia Lundgren.
Malin Andersson secured the victory for Sweden with a 25 meters free kick after 53 minutes. Brazil thought they had won a last-gasp penalty after Sara Call appeared to trip Katia in the area but their pleas were ignored.
