U.S. Gets a Chance to Redeem World Cup Loss

All the motivation that the United States needs for today’s Olympic women’s soccer semifinal against Germany was provided by the Germans last September.

Germany’s 3-0 victory in the semifinals of the 2003 Women’s World Cup in Portland, Ore., a result that stripped the Americans of their world championship, still stings, and the U.S. players are promising payback.

“We haven’t forgotten what happened in the World Cup,” said midfielder Shannon Boxx of Redondo Beach.

Said Brandi Chastain: “This is reminiscent of 1995-96, with Norway as the opponent. Losing in ’95 in the World Cup semifinals, coming back and beating Norway in the [Olympic] semifinals to go to the gold-medal game. I’d like to see that happen again.”

Today’s other semifinal is Sweden vs. Brazil in Patras.