Holders Germany reach last four, US end England's hopes

World Cup holders Germany kept their title defence bid on track by gaining a place in the semi-finals with a 3-0 win against North Korea yesterday.

England's hopes of winning the World Cup are over though, after a 3-0 defeat to the United States in yesterday's other quarter-final.

The Germans went ahead on the stroke of half-time through Kerstin Garefrekes. Two goals in a five-minute spell midway through the second half from Renate Lingor and Annike Krahn confirmed the victory.

Germany will now play either Norway or hosts China, who meet today, on Wednesday.

England matched the US, two-times winners of the World Cup, for the best part of the first half but three minutes after the restart, the US went in front. Abby Wambach rose highest at the far post to score her fourth goal in the tournament.

After 57 minutes, Shannon Boxx drilled home an excellent effort from 20 metres. Kristine Lilly completed a purple patch for the US on the hour mark when a long ball bounced over England goalkeeper Rachel Brown, leaving the experienced captain with a tap-in.

The US now face either Brazil or Australia in the semi-finals on Thursday.