China 0-1 USA

Two-time winners the United States beat China to reach the semi-finals of the Women's World Cup.

Captain Carli Lloyd scored the only goal in Ottawa with a towering header early in the second half.

It was the Americans' 25th consecutive victory over China and takes them into their seventh straight World Cup semi-final.

They will face Germany at the Olympic Stadium in Montreal on Tuesday for a place in the final.

The victory at Lansdowne Stadium means the United States maintain their record of reaching a semi-final in every major tournament.

Despite missing suspended first-choice midfielders Lauren Holiday and Megan Rapinoe, they totally dominated the first half.

But they wasted a host of chances before making the breakthrough shortly after half-time.

Lloyd, in the centre of the box, got above her marker to meet Julie Johnston's lofted cross and place a header into the bottom right corner.

China tried to push for an equaliser but it was the United States who came closest to scoring again - Ali Krieger hitting the post with a long-range effort in the final 20 minutes.

Germany, ranked number one in the world, beat France 5-4 on penalties in the day's other quarter-final.

The USA have conceded just one goal in five games at the World Cup