TIANJIN, China — Defending champion Germany broke a shutout record in defeating Norway 3-0 Wednesday and claimed a spot in the final of the Women's World Cup.
Germany will play the winner of today's United States-Brazil semifinal, with the final set for Sunday in Shanghai.
An own goal by Norway's Trine Ronning just before halftime set Germany on its way, and it dominated the second half, with goals by Kerstin Stegemann and Martina Mueller.
Germany has gone 529 minutes without conceding a World Cup goal, dating back to the 2003 tournament. That broke China's record, which was 442 minutes in the 1999 and 2003 events.
"It was tough in the beginning, but our defense did very well, we didn't allow any chances, particularly to (tournament top scorer) Ragnhild Gulbrandsen," Germany coach Silvia Neid said. "The players realized we were not giving chances and that helps them with self-confidence, then we scored at the right moment."
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Germany's opening goal in the 42nd minute came after a tactical substitution allowed quick left-sided midfielder Fatmire Bajramaj to come on and make an immediate impact.
Bajramaj's through-ball found Birgit Prinz, who whipped in a cross from the left, and Ronning — attempting to block the ball with her chest — accidentally diverted it into the net.
Norway pushed for the opening few minutes of the second half, but quickly ran out of energy and lost playmaker Solveig Gulbrandsen, who hobbled off in the 55th with a thigh injury.
U.S. to change goalkeeper
HANGZHOU, China — Greg Ryan will be seen as a savvy strategist if it works.
If it fails, he'll be blamed for benching goalkeeper Hope Solo — she hasn't yielded a goal in almost 300 minutes — and switching to veteran Briana Scurry for today's semifinal against Brazil.
The U.S. coach surprised almost everyone on Wednesday, going with the 36-year-old Scurry because her quick reflexes could frustrate the tricky, fast-paced Brazilians led by strikers Marta and Cristiane.
Ryan shrugged off any criticism.
"That's not important to me at all," he said. "From Day 1 I've just tried to make decisions that will help us win the next game."
Unbeaten in 51 straight games, the No. 1-ranked United States is seeking its third World Cup title, but Brazil figures to be its toughest test.
Solo, 25, has been excellent defending crosses and high balls, but Ryan wants Scurry for her scrambling.
"The way the Brazilians play in terms of creating off the dribble in the penalty box and making a goalkeeper make reaction-type saves, I think Bri is the best goalkeeper in the world in those situations," Ryan said.
Today
• What: Semifinal game
• Who: U.S. vs. Brazil
• When: 5 a.m.
• TV: ESPN2
