MONTREAL — The U.S. is going back to the World Cup final.
In its most dominant, confident and convincing performance of this tournament, the United States beat Germany 2-0 in the semifinal at Olympic Stadium. Jill Ellis mixed things up with her lineup by going with a 4-5-1 formation rather than the traditional 4-4-2. And it worked.
Carli Lloyd was given the freedom to roam and attack as she was in the quarterfinal, playing in front of Morgan Brian and Lauren Holiday, who solidified the midfield. The U.S. had more quality chances arise thanks to a controlled midfield and a stout back line, and was able to punish Germany up and down the flanks with speed.