Americans eliminate Norway, advance to semifinal round

Abby Wambach scored the game's only goal.
FOXBORO, Mass. (AP) -- The news was so good that April Heinrichs couldn't believe it at first: By beating Norway in the World Cup quarterfinals, the Americans eliminated their rival from the tournament and next year's Olympics, as well.
"That's a long time away," the U.S. women's soccer coach said, unable to suppress a smile. "I tell you, I can't even think ahead two days. I can't think about the Olympics."
Abby Wambach scored the game's only goal Wednesday night as the United States beat Norway to advance to the Cup semifinals. The Americans, the top-ranked team in the world, will play Sunday in Portland, Ore., against the winner of tonight's game between Germany and Russia.
Sweden beat Brazil 2-1 to advance to the semis, where the Swedes will play China or Canada.
Eliminated from Olympics
Norway is the No. 2 team in the world and still the only nation with a winning record (18-17-2) against the United States. But by failing to reach the semifinals it can finish no better than third among European teams; because the region is using the tournament to determine its two Olympic qualifiers, the Norwegians will not be going to Athens next year.
"That's really not right, to have the Olympics without them," U.S. forward Tiffeny Milbrett said. "They are one of the best teams in the world. They always play us well and they beat us in a lot of big games."
Wambach was 15 when the United States lost its only World Cup game, and even the loss in the Olympics is a little far in the past for her. But she knew this game against Norway was a big one, even if it was only the quarterfinals.
"Getting the goal against Norway and having it be the game-winner, that is something I will never forget," she said. "It was the biggest goal of my life."
Wambach was a threat all night -- to score, to draw fouls, to run over defenders. Her goal came on a header off a 40-yard feed by another World Cup newcomer, Cat Reddick in the 24th minute.
Wambach outfought Marit Fiane Christensen to put home her header. Goalkeeper Bente Nordby got her hand on the ball, but it slipped into the net.
"I was like a basketball player in the low post, backing in on her and getting position," Wambach said. "And then I was fortunate to be able to flick it in."
Keeps Norway close
Nordby kept Norway close with two big saves midway through the second half. She stopped Hamm on a weak penalty kick in the 68th minute, then made a stunning diving stop of Cindy Parlow's header seconds later.
Hamm's penalty kick was set up when Nordby received a yellow card for toppling Wambach inside the area.
Hamm was taken down numerous times, as were Wambach and Norway's Unni Lehn. In the 62nd, Parlow went for a high ball and kicked Ane Stangeland in the face instead. Stangeland was bleeding from the mouth as she momentarily went to the sideline, and after the game her lip was bandaged and swollen.
Norway, which finished behind Brazil in Group B, got its only shot on goal in the 77th minute, a weak effort by Dagny Mellgren.
Sweden 2, Brazil 1
The Swedes have followed a loss in the opener to the United States with three wins. They went ahead on Malin Andersson's brilliant free kick in the 53rd minute. Andersson floated the ball just above the reach of goalkeeper Andreia.
Sweden broke through in the 23rd minute on a perfect cross from Malin Mostroem that found Victoria Svensson between two defenders for a header. Brazil tied it on Marta's penalty kick in the 44th.