FOXBORO, Mass., Oct. 1 (UPI) -- Abby Wambach scored in the 24th minute Wednesday night to put the United States into the semifinals of the World Cup with a 1-0 win over Norway.
The Americans will meet either China or Canada in the semis next Sunday night in Portland, Ore.
Earlier in the evening, Sweden eliminated Brazil, 2-1. The Swedes will play either Germany or Russia in the semifinals.
The Norwegians presented perhaps the most significant hurdle to the Americans in their quest for the World Cup title. Although the United States had several scoring chances, they could convert only on Wambach's header from just in front of the goal.
In Sweden's victory, Malin Andersson delivered the game-winner with a free kick in the 53rd minute. Andersson's strike sailed over Brazil's wall of defenders and into the upper right corner of the net.
