O'Reilly ends German challenge
Monday, August 23, 2004
Article summary
Germany's hopes of Olympic gold were ended by the United States in extra time of their women's semi-final.
Article body
Lilly lift
The US took early control of the match in Crete and broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute through midfield player Kristine Lilly, who swept in a left-foot shot after a clever lay-off from Abby Wambach.
Last-gasp equaliser
Wambach and Lilly both had chances to make the game safe, and Germany made their opponents pay two minutes into added time when substitute Isabelle Bachor cut inside from the left to beat goalkeeper Briana Scurry with a fierce right-foot shot that took a wicked deflection off Joy Fawcett.
O'Reilly decisive
However, O'Reilly secured victory for the Americans in the 99th minute, firing past goalkeeper Silke Rottenberg after a driving run down the right from Mia Hamm. The powerful US team, who were runners-up to Norway in Sydney four years ago, will face Brazil in the Olympic final on Thursday, with Germany playing Sweden for the bronze medal in a repeat of the 2003 FIFA Women's World Cup final.
