As it happened: Persistent U.S. breaks down China, goes into semis

The Americans seemed to dash their attacking demons against China PR on Friday, holding out to win 1-0 over a poor Chinese team. China PR were indeed organized, as the billing before the match had indicated, but the USWNT were solid at the back and even better in attack to pull out what might have been a blowout if the Americans had finished some of their better chances. 

FT: That's it! The USA is through to the semis for a date with Germany. If the Americans can keep up the pressure and defensive acument that they had against China PR, we might be in for a great game on Tuesday, June 30. 

85' : Great pass by Heath to Press. Wambach comes on for A-Rod. She last for longer than previously thoguht. Let's see if the USWNT can hold on to this lead.

80' : As Heather O'Reilly makes her way onto the field, check out this video of Lloyd putting the U.S. ahaed. 

75' : China PR still look a bit toothless in attack. Solid chances still being created by the USWNT and this is the way the Americans need to close out games. Consistent pressure, still looking dangerous in attack and an absolute bunker of a defense. If they keep it up, they may give Germany a good game. 

70' : Solo called into action, really for the first time this entire match. Not a great corner but she might ahve done better with the punch. China look frustrated and lacking options in attack. A-Rod looks tired and her and Morgan are making the same runs. Be surprising if she stayed on the pitch past the 80 minute.

65' : China starting to put the pressure on, down a goal. Whether it results in anything will depend on American Hero Julie Johnston and Sauerbrunn staying alert on the defensive end.

64' : Here's a look at that save by Wang Fei on Lloyd. Absolute rocket. 

60' : Press appears to be getting ready to enter for the U.S. and she comes on for O'Hara. Interesting choice as a substitute. Let's see if she can improve on her past performances in this World Cup.

55' : Guessing by performances, thinking that A-Rod is the first one off for the USWNT to give some minutes to Syd or Christen Press. Both are dynamic forwards who can really pressure China's backline. 

51' : Goal! USWNT are on top 1-0 after Johnston's deep ball finds Lloyd, who buries a header for the first goal of the game. The question that seems to be on everyone's mind now: "Will the flood gates open, or is this a one-off?"

50' : USWNT attack starting to look a bit out of sync in the opening minutes of the second half. China PR still not posing much of a threat offensively but the Chinese's bunker mentality is frustrating the U.S. attack. 

45' : Don't let the 0-0 scoreline going into halftime fool you, this game has been incredibly one-sided -- as evidenced by Morgan's sliding shot that almost broke the deadlock in extra time. Should be an interesting team talk for both teams at half. Let's see what Jill Ellis elects to do with the lineup, whether it be introducing a new attacker or switching up the formation. Hint: It will probably be the former. 

40' : The USWNT's line is becoming increasingly high as Sauerbrunn and Johnston are at least 10-14 yards within the opponents half. China should just boot it up he field to relieve some pressure and catch the defenders out of position. 

37' : Carli Lloyd lets out an absolute rocket of a free kick and Wang Fei punches it out before it goes into the upper 90. She also appears to hae hurt her wrist on the shot.

35' : China PR make the first substitution for the player that collided with Johnston earlier in the game. Game has cooled off a bit in the last few minute but USWNT still pushing and limiting the Chinese to poor crosses and half-chances.

30' : This is the type of pressure that the USWNT was expected to play coming into the World Cup. Americans finally playing to their place early in the game and it's really no surprise that they're dominating. 

26' : Johnston puts a shot on goal but it's cleared off the line.

25' : Some great attacking play by the U.S. here. Morgan almost gets a headed goal after the Chinese 'keeper comes far off her line and misses the punch. Dangerous free-kick from Heath results in a missed opportunity.

20' : Both teams showing solid spells of possession but the USWNT still dominate that stat by a fair margin. Again, it looks like the key to unlocking this Chinese team lies on the flanks, where Kling, Krieger, Heath and O'Hara provide a constant threat. Speaking of O'Hara, she flashes a diving header just wide after a great cross by Heath. 

15' : USWNT has cooled off a bit from its hot start but the Americans still look dangerous going forward. O'Hara is making great runs down the right flank, her touch seems to be a little off but if the USWNT keep working the flanks and firing in crosses, it'll be able to break down this China PR team.

10' : China PR starting to press a little bit now and getting more possession. So far each of the players that are new to the starting lineup -- Kelley O'Hara, Morgan Brian and A-Rod -- look good. This is probably the most we've seen the USWNT attack with consistently good chances.

5' : USWNT have started very well. my Rodriguez blew an easy chance in the second minute when she was one-on-one with the Chinese goalkeeper but the Americans have been very positive in attack so far.

1' : Let's get this thing started! USWNT start with the ball and we're off.

Here are your lineups for today's game.

Check out this awesome exchange between Meghan Klingenberg and Michael Keaton.

Here are a few tweets from celebrities and athletes getting ready for the game.