The USA will play China in the Women's World Cup 2015 quarter finals on Friday with the United States looking to claim an expected win, but also hoping to put on a good performance with more free-flowing soccer going forward. Today's big game between the USA and China has a scheduled start time of 7.30 p.m. ET and can be watched on TV on the Fox network, or online through live stream via the link below.
USA have had to put up with a further chorus of complaints about their performances following their win over Colombia in the Round of 16. Despite coming out top of the so-called Group of Death, and winning 2-0 in their first knock out game, their performances have not been as inspiring as many had hoped, and there are concerns that when they come up against a top team their frailties will be exposed even further.
For their part, the USA have acknowledged that they want to play better, although results-wise they don't have too many complaints at this stage.
Coming into today's clash with China they will be more concerned about making sure they progress and ensuring that missing some of their best players will not undermine their progress in the competition.
Both left winger Megan Rapinoe and central midfielder Lauren Holiday will miss today's game after picking up second yellow cards in their game against Colombia, and that is sure to disrupt the team significantly.
USA coach Jill Ellis has confirmed that Morgan Brian will step in to replace Holiday, while Rapinoe's replacement will be announced prior to game time.
With Rapinoe and Holiday missing, USA's strikers could find their supply line cut off somewhat, and that means Alex Morgan and Abby Wambach may have to hustle back a little more to get the ball themselves and cause trouble.
Especially with China having a tight defensive system, USA may have to work hard to break them down. An early goal would be ideal for the United States as this would ensure China have to come out of their shells and push forwards, thereby leaving more space at the back for USA's attacking players to expose.
China are expected to hold a tight back four, and supplement them with two defensive midfielders to close down anything through the middle. That means the USA may have to do a good job at moving down the wings to supply their strikers, as moving through a packed midfield area may be tough.
China kicked off their World Cup with a 0-1 loss to host nation Canada, but recovered to gain an excellent 1-0 win over the Netherlands. A 2-2 draw with New Zealand in their final group game was enough to see them through to the knock out rounds, where they gained another excellent win over a talented and tough Cameroon side 1-0.
Meanwhile, the United States got their World Cup off to a brilliant start with a 3-1 win over Australia, before playing out a 0-0 stalemate with Sweden. They ensured they finished top of the Group of Death by defeating Nigeria 1-0 in their last group game, before winning against Colombia 2-0 in the Round of 16.
Today's big Women's World Cup 2015 quarter final game between USA and China has a scheduled start time of 7.30 p.m. ET and can be watched on TV on the Fox network or online through live stream by clicking here.
